C3 Thanks and Distributor Question

[Steve B.]

My Engine Rebuild Project

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 Thanks and Distributor Question

GM built millions of HEIs and the major rebuild parts - module, pickup coil, etc are readily available anywhere.

A common overlooked problem is the weight pivot plastic bushings. They wear out.

Don't know the life of HEI components in a V8, but the HEI in my Cosworth Vega gets thrashed by a 13g 233Hz vertical unbalanced shaking force. The pickup coil, module, and harness to the external coil have all failed. I now carry a spare distributor and a 9/16" wrench in the spare tire well, so I can swap it out in a few minutes if necessary.

I think on a V8 it would be a good idea to disassemble the HEI check the shaft bushings, regrease the upper bushing grease well, and at least replace the weight pivot bushings. As far as the module and pickup coil is concerned, that's a tough call. Eventually they will fail, but on a V8 the life is probably a lot longer than on a high revving four-cylinder.

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 Thanks and Distributor Question

GM built millions of HEIs and the major rebuild parts - module, pickup coil, etc are readily available anywhere.

A common overlooked problem is the weight pivot plastic bushings. They wear out.

Don't know the life of HEI components in a V8, but the HEI in my Cosworth Vega gets thrashed by a 13g 233Hz vertical unbalanced shaking force. The pickup coil, module, and harness to the external coil have all failed. I now carry a spare distributor and a 9/16" wrench in the spare tire well, so I can swap it out in a few minutes if necessary.

I think on a V8 it would be a good idea to disassemble the HEI check the shaft bushings, regrease the upper bushing grease well, and at least replace the weight pivot bushings. As far as the module and pickup coil is concerned, that's a tough call. Eventually they will fail, but on a V8 the life is probably a lot longer than on a high revving four-cylinder.

Duke