Look here for a performance test: http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-9812-ignition-performance-test/
great link. Thanks Flynn. According to the chart, points makes more hp than stock hei and gain only a couple hp from performance hei.
I would wager the only difference in horsepower was due to rising ambient air temp as the day wore on. plus or minus 5 horsepower is insignificant. I would have guessed the HEI to be worth a little though.
People throw around the term HEI, but I believe that was GM's name for the big cap, coil in cap, electronic ignition that debuted in 1974. Your thread title should have read electronic ignition, not HEI. Electronic ignitions can show drive ability improvements including quicker starts, resistance to fouling, and the ability to fire larger plug gaps. In addition, electronic ignitions require no adjustment for wear like points systems can, and dwell remains more stable. Aftermarket ignitions can show their worth in non stock applications, like big cams, richer carburetor jetting, high compression, or forced induction engines.
