Most of the used components hobbyists select for their vintage Pontiacs typically require at least a slight amount of refurbishing in order to provide reliable operation-and the ignition distributor is no exception.
The HEI was designed to require very little maintenance, and we learned-in the HPP July '07 issue-the factors that largely determine if a used unit is reusable, and how to prepare it for miles of trouble-free operation. There are, however, others who would rather purchase a new HEI, and if the latter describes you, then you'll find our one-stop buyer's guide highly beneficial.
We requested product details from several aftermarket HEI manufacturers that offer units that appear, install, and function just like an original. While properly calibrating the centrifugal and vacuum advance curves for maximum performance may be required in some instances, any of the featured units could be considered affordable alternatives to a used HEI when reliable performance is a concern.
Summit Racing Blueprinted HEI
Mail-order giant Summit Racing Equipment offers its own line of blueprinted HEI distributors for myriad GM applications. The Pontiac unit (PN SUM-850007) combines a black cap with brass terminals and a black plastic dust cover that encapsulates the 50,000-volt coil. A new cast-aluminum housing featuring a natural finish contains new bushings, mainshaft assembly, and a hardened steel gear.
Summit's HEI includes the company's high-output module, centrifugal advance components, and adjustable vacuum advance canister. According to Summit, each unit is "fully 'blueprinted' and 'phased' on a Synchrograph Distributor Dyno to ensure accurate timing, and dynamically tested to 7,500 rpm," while retailing for $150.
Summit Racing Equipment
1200 SE Ave.
Tallmadge, OH 44278
(800) 230-3030
www.summitracing.com.
Performance Distributors D.U.I. HEI
Performance Distributors in Memphis, Tennessee, has long been recognized as an ignition system leader. The company has been calibrating HEIs since 1977, and it continues to offer a complete line of Davis Unified Ignitions (D.U.I.) for countless applications.
It produces custom-tuned HEI distributors for two distinct Pontiac applications. No. 51720 fits all traditional Pontiac V-8 applications (287ci to 455), and No. 55720 is for those with Super-Duty 455s (and R/A-V derivatives). Though equipped with a standard-sized driven gear, the latter unit has the proper diameter sleeve pressed on the housing for installation.
The company starts with a high-quality remanufactured HEI, hand assembles the unit to exact tolerances, and then adds its own "Dyna-module"-an electronic module claimed to increase dwell, allowing greater saturation of the company's 50,000-volt coil. A brass-terminal cap is available in a number of colors.
Unlike others, Performance Distributors requests specific inform-ation about your combination and then uses its custom-made, OEM-quality components to tailor the distributor's centrifugal and vacuum advance curves to achieve maximum performance from your application. D.U.I. No. 51270 for Pontiac V-8s retails for $305, as does PN 55270, and is available directly from the manufacturer.
Performance Distributors
2699 Barris Dr.
Memphis, TN 38132
(901) 396-5782
www.performancedistributors.com.