Have those of you who've done HEI conversions tried any high performance modules (how exactly can you get "high performance" from just the module anyway, other than multiple spark?), or just kept with stock GM modules? I'm curious if there's really anything to be gained from the high performance modules.

_________________
'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

My OPINION is that the only thing you will gain is a much lighter pocket. I have not used any HEI modules to know otherwise.

All the 'high performance' HEI modules like the MSD do for you is work at higher RPM, like much above 4000. That's it.

_________________
It's a Slant thing. Even I don't understand.

1974 Duster, EFI /6 soon to be turbo...

Get that Monkay! Get that nasty thing!!

That was the impression I got. And I saw nothing available that supported multi spark either. stock GM module and a second for a spare it is

Now here's one other question: I've read that they have to be grounded. Is that the case itself or does one of the four terminals have to be grounded? I would figure if the case itself needs to be grounded, using an aluminum block wouldn't be such a good idea.

_________________
'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

None of the four terminals goes to ground. The module needs to be mounted to a good heat sink and you need to use the correct heat-conductive grease between the module and the mounting surface.
Because...?

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

The HEI conversion article I saw looked like a kluged up cluster f***. I'm not aware of anything that has proven much better than Ma MOPAR's electronic ignition for anything like normal street driving. The DUI setup with the coil on top of the distributor cap looks like it could be more efficient simply due to a shorter hi voltage path. Even so, I have not seen numbers to show any advantage.

Of course, there's always the "bubba" approach:
"If it aint broke, fix it 'til it is!"

_________________
'64 Dart GT convertible, 64 Dart 170 2-door post sedan in faded blue and rust (the Az Dart) & a sixty THREE Dart 170 2-door post sedan in faded blue and rust. (future project)
Early Dart Disorder (EDD) is real, and I've got it!

Don't know what article you saw; every HEI conversion I've done has been neat and clean.
HEI is better. No ballast resistor, hotter spark (can run 0.045" plug gaps easily).

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

As a regular HEI user in performance installations I have found "high performance modules" to be much better at higher RPMs...the stockers drop off at about 4000 RPM,,,my ACCEL modules go past 6000 with no probs....recommended.

I find the 7 pin modules need replacement upgrade more than the old 4 pin do...if you are EFI you use the 7 pin.

Last 7 pin ACCELS i bought at Summit were $19.95

_________________
Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

What RPM would you say a Pertronix is good for? I mean Pertronix II with the 45k coil.

Dan - What is the advantage of opening the gap on your plug ?

Thanks

_________________
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

The Pertronix will run great until the tape holding the magnets on the rotor melts, or comes loose and scatters all of the tiny pick-up magnets throughout your distributor........

The extra gap is always good, a longer spark = better and more thorough combustion.

_________________
63 Valiant 200 Signet Convertible 170/
63 Dart, 225/
68 A100 Pick-up 225/
2006 Mitsu Raider Quad Cab (Dakota) Mopar 4.7L
1992 Dodge Stealth RT (My Mid-Lifer) 3.0L 24V

Larger gap = higher secondary voltage = hotter spark = less likelihood of misfire.

Also...

Larger gap = more fuel molecules physically exposed to piece of fire between electrodes = less likelihood of misfire.

This is why ignition systems had to get better with the advent of emission laws and even better with the advent of catalytic converters: misfires that had been tolerable no longer were.

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I have a Pertronix on my up'n'coming race Valiant, which has been working OK up to 5000 RPM. I plan to try an HEI ACCEL or MSD unit and compare revs and power...

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988