[johndoby]

So I've searched around a bit on different ignition combos, and I'd like to get some opinions on the systems I've narrowed down to.

1) GM HEI - 1104067 / $150 (ZZ4 distributor...discontinued but I found one NOS)

2) Skip White HEI / $56

3) MSD Pro-Billet Dist. & USED Jacobs Electronics Pro Street Ignition Kit / $275 total (Jacobs PS also discontinued...these units were double the cost of MSD when they were around.)

4) Pertronix Ignitor III Dist. w/ Flamethrower III coil - $275 total

I have a ZZ4 block with GM Fastburn heads & XR288HR Comp Cam, estimated 450-475 hp. 99% Street. The main reason I'm looking at HEI alternatives is easier start-up, less fouling. Is it really that big of a difference?

Thanks,
John

 

[RB69SS396Conv]

Yes it really can be a big difference, if you're still stuck in the points Stone Age. Not so much difference compared to a stock HEI.

Check these guys while you're at it.

http://www.performancedistributors.com/

Seems like alot of people have trouble with the Jacobs boxes, esp on the street; work great for a while, but then get sudden random death. Never had one myself though, I'm only repeating what I've seen and heard, which may or may not be ... dependable.

 

[kirkwoodken]

In my personal opinion, Jacob's is not a high quality ignition system, as is MSD, and the others mentioned. I like the modified HEI systems for a street machines and would use one if I had room for it.

The Skip White is here:

http://www.skipwhiteperformance.com/detail.aspx?Item=6500-GY

 

[rkd]

What are you trying to accomplish?

A decent HEI, orig or aftermarket, will do everything a street car needs. A $99 Summit Hei would be my first choice. I do have a Jacobs box that has run perfectly for 22 years, but the company came and went a couple times.

Otherwise I would not mix stuff, especially with Jacobs items. I like MSD stuff, and have a Digital 6 run directly from the dis pickup, eliminating the amp box. Like Holley, easy to find, great tech support, etc. Maybe not primo, but theres not much better that I have seen.

 

[72ElCamino]

I have a Skip White distributor with HEI wires I got from the as well that cost me like 95 bucks with shipping to my door.

Went in easy as can be, and it working great. Don't let the price fool you either, as the distributor has something like a 5 year unlimited mile warranty.

If you want to do it on the Cheap, it isnt a bad deal at all.

Matt

 

[Tom Mobley]

I use the ZZ4 HEI in my own car and whatever else I build unless it really needs something else. Ignition stuff is still the most over-hyped and over priced stuff out there.

 

[bracketchev1221]

I use the ZZ4 HEI in my own car and whatever else I build unless it really needs something else. Ignition stuff is still the most over-hyped and over priced stuff out there.

Yup. We had an HEI in my friends 11.60 69 camaro with a 355. I had one in my malibu and upgraded to a MSD 6A box and saw no difference.