h.e.i. swap info please.

[bigrgh]

i have 84 crusader 350 h.p. 454's with the original prestolite distributor. a friend gave me a MSD hei one new in the box. can i use that on my engines? i wanted to change to electronic (prestolite conversion kit) but replacing the whole distributor was also considered. if i can use this hei, i can just purchase one more and save half the money (for gas, lol) Striperman , didnt you convert to a hei? and how would i go about the swap? (wiring and such) what do you do with other parts? coil, ballost resistor,wires plugs?? thanks for any input, ron.

[prowlersfish]

I would make sure they are marine rated/aproved first .

[koviak]

Changed mine to HEI last year and love it. Purchased mine thru AAA marine, plug wires are needed for new cap. Also regapped plugs to.060, very easy swap. (1989 454 crusaders).

[gardnersf]

I swapped mine on one of my engines with a Barr HEI conversion kit. The kit contained a new coil, wires and distributor with timing jumper. Installation was straight forward although I had to rig a new way to mount the coil. I will say that the supplied wires were not long enough for my Counter Rotating engine and I had to steal wires from the other side and buy another set.

I have heard great things about the Mallory HEI conversions and would probably spend the extra $50 or so to go that route next time. Mu kits were about $285 a piece if I remember right. I never ended up installing the port side yet but that side does have an electronic distributor from Accel that is still working fine.

[Commissionpoint]

I went the Mallory route. Bought one each of the YLM 624 AV and YLM 624 BV (counter rotation gear on the BV). My reasons were to have a variable reluctor distributor with mechanical advance and a magnetic triggering system. I had debated the YLU series with the photo eye trigger, but in the end decided that the magnetic version would be more reliable over time. It was an easy swap, and I will do a write-up with photos when I get some time in case anyone else decides to go the route I did.

[Big D]

....variable reluctor distributor....magnetic triggering ....more reliable.....

++1

[prowlersfish]

There are many HEI and electronic ignition kits . Some work well some not so well . One of the best systems I have seen was the early GM HEI system . The only problem was it was not marine approved .But now AAA marine has a marine approved one . Its a simple 1 wire hook up . This would be the only set up I would consider if I was doing my own boat ( if I had had gas) this come from 40 + years of experience . Simple and easy install everything is in the unit no coil bracket to worry about.

One note make sure what ever you use that its marine approved just because it may look the same in many not be approved


http://www.aaamarine.com/servlet/StoreFront

[Paul]

One note make sure what ever you use that its marine approved just because it may look the same in many not be approved
http://www.aaamarine.com/servlet/StoreFront

Approved meaning sealed cap and flame arrestor at the vent. Extremely important in a marine engine room. You've posted this link a few times Paul and you really have me thinking now. I have the original Mallory "points" distributor that I rebuilt and added a Sierra "Electronic Conversion Kit" to. Although this system has worked flawlessly, that HEI system would sure look sweet atop my 350. I'm guessing that the HEI's advance curve may give me a little better fuel economy as well. Hey, maybe that's what I'll tell the wife while she's rolling her eyes at me.

[gardnersf]

I wish I would have seen this when I bought mine a couple fo years ago. Coil built into the unit, easier install. Good price.