455 HEI Conversion

[Drunk tank]

Well after FINALLY getting my boat here to work on it I've decided to add one more thing to the list of "shit to do".... this list is getting way to fawkin long! :eek: I wanna convert the 455 over to HEI. I along with my dad had been trying to solve the problem the engine has with a high speed miss to no resolve. Currently it has a mallory dual point distriutor sittin on it, and I have a very hatful relationship with that damn thing. So I figure its time to junk that and go for a better setup. Can anyone tell me whats involved in this as far as wiring, mods and whatnot? Also, part numbers or model numbers for the distributors would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ryan :)
edit: Found this distibutor (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=PNX%2DD1100) but is it the right one? Still have no idea what to do as far as wiring and all that is concerned.

[460rogers]

that one should work,
unless you have a tunnel ram or blower!!
they usually are 1 wire hookups
just hook up ign wire and it will fire
there is usually a hookup for your tach also Labeled tach or T

[sleekcraft76]

and don't use a ballist resister with a hei dis.

[Drunk tank]

Originally posted by sleekcraft76
and don't use a ballist resister with a hei dis.
I dont think I have to worry about that... as I have no idea what it is :D Care to enlighten me?

[Foggerjet]

The ballast limits the juice going to the points while in "run", while in "crank" the points get full 12v. if you have points you have a ballast. it is a white ceramic thingy with two male spade connectors, one on each end. Usually near the distributor. Take it out and hook full voltage up to the IGN side of the HEI.
Also, about that high speed miss, Pull your valve covers and look closely at your valve springs. I've had motors run pretty good at lower rpm and skip at higher rpm because of a broken valve spring. Could be your points, but it's something worth checkin.
fog

[Drunk tank]

Originally posted by Foggerjet
The ballast limits the juice going to the points while in "run", while in "crank" the points get full 12v. if you have points you have a ballast. it is a white ceramic thingy with two male spade connectors, one on each end. Usually near the distributor. Take it out and hook full voltage up to the IGN side of the HEI.
Also, about that high speed miss, Pull your valve covers and look closely at your valve springs. I've had motors run pretty good at lower rpm and skip at higher rpm because of a broken valve spring. Could be your points, but it's something worth checkin.
fog
I'll definatly check that out... I was gonna be replacing the valve covers anyhow, need some new chrome...
As a wise man once told me "Chrome gets ya home" :wink:

[malcolm]

What intake manifold is on there? Some don't have enough room for that huge cap.

[HotRod Sprint]

Depending on the wire size going to the duel point right now, you may also want to run a slightly larger 12volt wire to the HEI.
Rod

[Drunk tank]

Originally posted by malcolm
What intake manifold is on there? Some don't have enough room for that huge cap.
I'll have to check but room is no issue with the current setup... hope it'll fit with the scoop I got comming in the mail from Rex though.

[fourspeednup]

Got a pic of that scoop? I know you been lookin for awhile:cool:

[BiggusJimbus]

I switched over to a Mallory Magnetic Breakerless (Series 50 style) as the HEI wouldn't work (fit) with my Offenhauser manifold.
It's worked perfectly so far. I thought I'd be bying an ignition module, but so far, I see no benefit from adding it, so I'll save my money.

[Back Forty]

Like Hot Rod Sprint said, the original 12v supply wire from the switch is probably to small. HEI distributors like to use current. I suggest installing a a commonly available 30amp automotive type relay. You can usually find these at your average parts store near the accessory lighting section. I just did a n install last summer. I mounted mine off of the Berkley terminal strip on the back of the engine. Very easy to do a nice install. This relay allows you to feed the Hei directly from the battery supply on the terminal strip if you have one. If not, tie directly into the positive side of the battery. Use the original + wire that fed the old coil to feed the relay. I will admit to keeping a spare relay but thats just me being stupid:rolleyes: I love the HEI. Between the HEI and dumping the holley in favor of a well tuned Q jet, I was able to tune almost 150 rpm more out of my 455 which is stock.:wink:
Also, I would use at minimum 12 AWG wire to feed the distributor.