Do I have to switch from my factory ECM to HEI vacuum advance after converting to an edelbrock carb? I was told by a "carb guy" that all I had to do was disconnect the computer and the 4 wire plug and it'll run fine. Hmmm? Any truth to that?

 

Your factory distributor is an HEI, but yes, you'll need to replace it with a unit that has centrifugal and vacuum advance.

 

The truth is, it will run but won't run right. Once you eliminate the computer there is nothing to control the ignition timing.
The timing will be fixed and not change with rpm or engine load.

So when you convert to a non cc carb you have to change the distributor to one with internal mechanical and vacuum advance.
A pre computer control HEI vacuum advance distributor is a nice simple way to go only requireing a 12 power source to run.

 

I ran a cc distributor with a Holley Carb for about 3 months. It worked fairly well, but the fuel mileage sucked and it was impossible to tune. Once I got the money, I put in a vaccum/centrifugal advance distributor and it runs very well.

 

If you were only racing at the track it really wouldnt be a problem. In that situation you could run full advance. Its still a crappy way to do it, get a regular Vacuum advance HEI and be done with it.

 

Why?

 

Because, like, Edelcrap makes the absolute best automotive products in existance!
Or so one of my friends would say.. basically
He will not look at another product line, whether it be carb, intake, heads, exhaust... Show him proof that (lets say, dynomax outflows (mufflers) edelbrock) a product is better, somehow the almightly edelbrock is the smarter choice..
Of course, he's on of those guys who likes a product cause some other people do..
And he's an idiot. He thinks the Edelbrock TES he got with the car are the best headers in creation. And somehow, they have 2" primaries, measured on the inner diameter, and are aluminum..

Edit:: Sorry about that rant, had just gotten off the phone with that buddy and was in an arguement. He was trying to tell my why his 600cfm Edelbrock was a way better carb than my 750cfm Holley VS. ugh, here i go again..........................