I was looking at new HEI distributors on Summit, and there are 7 pages to choose from :confused:

What should I look for in a distributor, for a big block, KB Hypereutectic domed pistons (which want about 35 deg max total timing). CR is about 9.5:1, Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-gap intake, Holley 770 and Lunati 60203 cam. Estimated to be right in the 400 HP range (although I doubt it). I just changed my plugs after about 500 miles and they were loaded with carbon, so not sure if my spark is enough, or carb is to rich or what is going on, but I wanted to get a good dist.

I'm currently using a cheap Summit dist (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM-850001R&N=700+4294908216+115&autoview=sku) and I just cant seem to get my timing right

I recommend either the Mallory UNILITE ELECTRONIC – 47 Series or MAGNETIC BREAKERLESS – 57 Series. both have adjustable Mechanical and Vacuum advances. I personally prefer the 57 Series.

A BBC likes a Multi-Spark CD Module for putting around. After 500 miles it's almost too early to tell what's going on yet as your rings may not be quit seated but I would say it's time to run it through a couple of verily hard passes short shifting and shut the ignition off to coast to a stop and take a plug reading. They should be clean, dry and white.

If the plugs look a little sooty but not gas wet while putting around and the engine seems to be running fine. I would say your jetting is about right.

I see your running a setup similar to mine. If your Street Avenger is a Dp and running Hi-Gear Ratio like 3.73's or 4.10's you can run a Mechanical Distributor. but if your running 355's and Lower Ratios I recommend running a vacuum pod whether the carb is a Dp or not.

I've run BBC/M22/3.08's with a Dp and Mechanical Dizzy but it does tend to hurt your gas mileage at cruise where a Vacuum Pod would benefit mpg.

Flameout, before you buy another distributor, make sure you read the "instructions" part of
the cheap Summit dist. link you provided in your post.

Those instructions specify that you should use a port/timed vacuum port for that specific
type of Summit distributor, not a full-vacuum port. Your maximum mechanical advance is
10* - 11* and maximum vacuum advance is about 10*, which means that if your initial is
set at 16* or 18* at idle, then the additional 20* of mech. + Vac. advance = 36* - 38*
total.

I have that same distributor in my 396 and recently got the timing ironed out to where the
engine is running well.

Charles

I went with a MOROSO mechanical.

Respectfully,
John R.

Thanks for the tips guys. Went to the machine shop that did some work on my engine, and he really suggested I DON'T use the Summit dist, and suggested MSD. He really didn't get into specifies of which MSD, but I'm about to buy this one (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=MSD-8361&FROM=MG) (also buying that Holley jet kit. Showed him my plus and said it's running WAY to rich)

I guess it really comes down to what an individual likes? Mallory, Moroso etc. I guess there isn't one perfect dizzy to use :confused:

I just can't see why more people don't use an extremely good source for their ignition system needs, Dave Ray (IgnitionMan). He does a regular HEI for carburetted engines, MSD trigger only for MSD use, and a dedicated EFI-HEI for EFI conversions. That way, they wouldn't have the ongoing problems I seem to keep reading about with other distributors.

davessmallbodhyeis.com

Regards,

Milton

Fix your rich carb problems first and then see how that does. That may very well be where
the gremlins are.

At your power level (400 hp), a $234 distributor won't make much difference (if any) on
the old butt meter. You will more than likely have to do some distributor adjustments on
that new one too, not to mention those unresolved rich carb problems.

As I said earlier, I finally got my Summit distributor dialed in, but only after I managed to get
my carb jetted properly and choke level set right, and I don't believe my 396 will run any
better than it does right now.

Charles