Okay all,
I am going to replace my current dist with a HEI so that I can use my Edelbrock Carb.My current dist doesnt have the vacumn advance.Its a 1983 Z-28, 305 Motor.Before I even attempt to do this,will I run into any problems..i.e. wiring hookups from original wires that were used on the original dist?

Smoothjazz

 

If the HEI you're getting is a large cap version with the coil in the cap, your factory wiring will hook right up to it. You will have a flat 4-wire connector that won't have anywhere to go (wrap & stow it).

That's the good news.

Personally, I would NEVER replace a computer q-jet with an Edelbrock. Huge downgrade, in my opinion. All cons with no pros.

I've been daily driving my stock q-jet since 1999, starting when it was a stock 305; through the souping up of the 305 in 2001 (heads, cam, headers, higher stall converter); and since the 350 shortblock was slid in 4 years ago. It's been raced regularly the past few years as well. It is the most trouble-free carburetor I've ever owned - and that dates back to 1972, including Holleys, Carters, and Rochesters.

You don't say what transmission you have, but if it's automatic, you need to provide some means of locking up the torque converter. If TH700R-4, you need to add a geometry corrector bracket to the throttle arm for the throttle valve cable. The SES light will always be on, so you have to remove the bulb. And, this change is not legal in any of the 50 United States.

If you have a manual T5 transmission, a slightly better case for something other than the q-jet can be made. But, it still won't be an Edelbrock - Holley double pumper.