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Large cap HEI distributer

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Old Aug 11, 2024 | 07:57 PM
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Large cap HEI distributer

hi everyone

quick question. Is anyone running a large HEI distributor in their third GEN? I recently got a blueprint engines 350 and it came with a coil in cap (large cap) distributer and I am wondering if it will fit? or if I will have to get another small cap distributor with divorced coil?

if anyone has any pictures of their set up, that would be super helpful too!

thanks!
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Old Aug 11, 2024 | 09:43 PM
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Re: Large cap HEI distributer

Third gens were designed to run a SBC with a large cap HEI. F-body didn't switch to small cap HEI until 1987.

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Old Aug 11, 2024 | 09:45 PM
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From: Franklin, KY near Beech Bend Raceway, Corvette Plant and Museum.
Car: 1992 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 5.0L L03 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Large cap HEI distributer

Is your car going to be computer controlled or just a normal old school carburetor?
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Old Aug 12, 2024 | 06:32 AM
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Re: Large cap HEI distributer

Carb all the way. My goal is absolute simplicity. I’ve never owned an HEI ignition system before. But my hope is I can send 12 V to it and be up and running minus the tach signal.

I don’t believe I need an ignition box or anything like that?

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Old Aug 12, 2024 | 06:33 AM
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Re: Large cap HEI distributer

Thanks Airwolfe for the info. I’m just trying to get all the parts ready. And I figured if I needed a distributor, I’d rather order it now than later.
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Old Aug 12, 2024 | 06:34 AM
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Re: Large cap HEI distributer


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Old Aug 12, 2024 | 11:06 AM
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Re: Large cap HEI distributer

minus the tach signal
​​​​​​​Why?
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Old Aug 12, 2024 | 12:11 PM
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Re: Large cap HEI distributer

Oh, I’m going to use the tach signal. Reading back I can see how that could look otherwise. I just meant as far as getting spark was concerned.
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Old Aug 12, 2024 | 03:50 PM
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Re: Large cap HEI distributer

That makes more sense.

Yes, all you have to do to get spark from it, is connect 12V to the Batt terminal and ground the case.
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Old Aug 12, 2024 | 04:34 PM
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Re: Large cap HEI distributer

The case is grounded through the engine block, correct? Through the main ground strap?
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Old Aug 12, 2024 | 05:05 PM
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Re: Large cap HEI distributer

Generally yes. Since the negative batt cable is connected directly to the block, or to a bracket that's bolted to it, no ground straps are involved.
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