I've got a 66 Malibu that I'm swapping the original tired 283 with a 350. I was ready to purchase a GMHEI ignition for it when I was told that the hardware may be too big and that I should go with a conversion kit that utilizes the original distributer cap. Does this sound right??? I'll be adding headers also... not sure which ones yet.

Clay, read my post on PERTRONIX ignitor which went up tonite. The Pertronix is a conversion which utilizes the original distributor cap, is cheap, and is easy to do. Do a search on the term PERTRONIX for more info.

------------------
Morris "moepoe" Porter

Aces 2674
'70 L34 Chevelle SS396

clay,
Before you do anything drop DZAUTO an email. He will give you any and all information that you will need for this process. It's really quite painless, especially from the sound of the new model out.

------------------
Better Late than Never Fred
Team Chevelle #400
Madness takes it's toll, please have exact change.
www.geocities.com/motorcity/shop/9385/1970Chevelle.html (http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/shop/9385/1970Chevelle.html)

Hey Clay,
Previous advice is good about PETRONIX system, however there are other options. You can us an MSD 6A system, and convert your stock distributor, or a HEI should fit as well. If you are going to use the HEI suggest you start out with a new non-computer style, then add an MSD module and coil. It is a great, reliable and pretty compact system. mgg

Just to add another point that might be of interest. I have a 1972 Elky and the last owner switched to an electronic ignition. I didn't realize this at first and wondered why there was a huge dent in the air cleaner. Well being one to fix things out of place I took out the dent. Then tried to put the part back on but it no longer fit. The new electronic ignition was larger so I had to replace the dent. I am happy with the electronic ignition and glad I don't have to replace points but I now have a custom fit air cleaner.

There should be plenty of room for a HEI, not a problem at all. Just remember to replace the resistance wire from the firewall to the coil with a new 12guage wire. The HEI needs a full 12v and the resistance wire only allows 9v. The resistance wire is usually black, has "resistor" written on the insulation and goes to the + side of the coil with the original point setup. There are lots of posts
on this swap, try doing a search for even more details.

------------------
70 chevelle ss396 conv
66 chevelle ss396 hdp/conv
55 chevy prostreet

I just put an HEI in the 65 last weekend, the stock aircleaner wouldnt clear no ifs ands or buts. Oh well, what I did(keep in mind I have a 2bbl) I bought a Specter adapter kit and an Edelbrock script aircleaner(the polished one) with the adapter on it raised the aircleaner up and with the mild drop of the base on the aircleaner it cleared the hood and the HEI cap just fine. Of course if you are putting on a 4bbl and an aftermarket intake, any aftermarket aircleaner will clear just fine.

------------------
Steve
64SS-327-4spd-sold to Original owner!
65 Malibu 283/PG!!!
www.angelfire.com/ca4/chevelle/ (http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/chevelle/)
Team Chevelle Member #71

I ran into the same problem with 71 Chevelle 350 not enough room for the GM HEI. So I went with the Mallory Unilite Conversion Kit.
Works Great.

Hey guys,
TD Performance Products makes an inexpensive offset flat air cleaner base to clear HEI ignitions. It's part # 2430. mgg

A lot of good input... I appreciate it.
SteveD, I am switching to a 4 bbl Holley and an Edelbrock Performer intake mainifold. I'd like to stay with the stock air cleaner if possible.

Clay-
Should clear with the performer on there. Just remember if you are changing from a 2bbl to the new 4 bbl Holley your stock aircleaner is a 2bbl model and it wont work either with the size of the carb mount not being big enough.

------------------
Steve
64SS-327-4spd-sold to Original owner!
65 Malibu 283/PG!!!
www.angelfire.com/ca4/chevelle/ (http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/chevelle/)
Team Chevelle Member #71




[This message has been edited by Steve D 64 SS (edited 10-27-99).]