After reading numerous posts here and on CorvetteForum I have decided to purchase the Holley Avenger EFI system. For now I just want to use it with my current distributor. It's a Davis Unified Ignition w/mechanical tach drive port. It has the coil built into/under the cap.
I really would like to stay with this unit if possible.

Can I use this dizzy or am I forced to change it out to a 87-95 GM small cap dizzzy and external coil?

Thanks,

Jim

You should be able to, that should be a regular inductive coil. You just can't have the ECU control the timing which is always desirable. But I'm guessing you need it to drive your tach.

You should be able to, that should be a regular inductive coil. You just can't have the ECU control the timing which is always desirable. But I'm guessing you need it to drive your tach.

Will the ECU control a GM small cap HEI distributor with an external coil? If that's what it takes to get the ECM to control the timing I'll get it done.

Thanks Doug.

Will the ECU control a GM small cap HEI distributor with an external coil? If that's what it takes to get the ECM to control the timing I'll get it done.

Thanks Doug.

Yes, it will control timing with a small cap HEI.

Yes, it will control timing with a small cap HEI.

Ok, looks like I'll be getting one and doing a mechanical-> electrical conversion on my tach.

Does it matter whether the small cap distrib has a vacuum advance or not? If the ECU is controlling the timing I would think I no longer need the vacuum advance correct?

If I may...

The small cap HEI's dont have vac advance - dont need it - the computer takes care of that. You will need an external coil and the wiring pig-tail to connect the distrib to the coil, and then a connector for the EFI harness to the distrib (I think it comes with the Avenger kit)

Something like a '92 k1500 or van with a 5.0 has this distrib. If you get them new, you may need to make a little bracket to hold the coil. Not sure where you can get the coil to distrib pig-tail other than the junkyard or dealer.

Its worth the small hassle to hook this up...you will love the controllability of the timing. In addition to the ECU spark control, you now get rev limiters, start retards, spark datalogging. YOU NEED IT ;)

If I may...

The small cap HEI's dont have vac advance - dont need it - the computer takes care of that. You will need an external coil and the wiring pig-tail to connect the distrib to the coil, and then a connector for the EFI harness to the distrib (I think it comes with the Avenger kit)

Something like a '92 k1500 or van with a 5.0 has this distrib. If you get them new, you may need to make a little bracket to hold the coil. Not sure where you can get the coil to distrib pig-tail other than the junkyard or dealer.

Its worth the small hassle to hook this up...you will love the controllability of the timing. In addition to the ECU spark control, you now get rev limiters, start retards, spark datalogging. YOU NEED IT ;)


Vince - I have found a 1994 Chevy C1500 5.7L with small cap HEI distributor and coil for ~$100 new. When you say pig-tail you're just talking about the coil wire to the center of the cap right?

Also the distributor has two plug connections a 2 prong oval and 4 prong oval. Does the Avenger EFI use both of these connectors?

Thanks for your help.

Jim

yes it will.

is that a Chevy part or aftermarket?

Ok great. I just ordered the distrib, coil, and both pigtails from my local parts store where I get a tremendous discount. They are Chevy replacement parts.

The distributor for a 5.7L 350 will just drop right in a big block? Any spacers needed or mods to the distrib? I've stabbed dozens of dizzys into big blocks but I've never moved parts from a small block to a big block.

Vince - I have found a 1994 Chevy C1500 5.7L with small cap HEI distributor and coil for ~$100 new. When you say pig-tail you're just talking about the coil wire to the center of the cap right?

Also the distributor has two plug connections a 2 prong oval and 4 prong oval. Does the Avenger EFI use both of these connectors?

Thanks for your help.

Jim


The 2 connection on the distrib: small, to the coil (hence the pigtail/harness that I mentioned). Large, connects to the EFI harness.

It will drop right in - I'm running a 5.0 distrib in my 502.

Ok great. thanks for the help guys. I can't wait for this unit to come in.

If I may...

.... Not sure where you can get the coil to distrib pig-tail other than the junkyard or dealer....

.

I got that pig tail at NAPA, in stock, in case anyone else tries to find one in a pinch.