Anyone running the TA Performance HEI distributor

Hey guys, I am wondering if any of you are running the HEI distributor currently offered in their catalog? Is it a good product?

 

I was having all types of distributor issues a couple months ago even tried some per tonic stuff and some points replacement kits none of the really worked well. I was super frustrated. I bought this and dropped this piece and and it has worked flawlessly since. You just need to change the wire from your harness to one that can continuously handle the 12v. The wire cost me $10 and was super easy to change. Seemless unit looks nice and eliminates the need for a blaster cool. It's tight to the manifold but fits well

 

So you're saying that you bought this exact unit from TA Performance? What is the deal with the wire? Is the OEM wire just too small of gauge and it could cause heat? Did you just run new wire straight from the ignition terminal on the fuse box to the distributor?

 

Thank you Larry. I will keep that info in mind.

 

Is there something available other than Pertronix units? I have used them in the past a few times and found them rather prone to burning out.

 

I wonder if the HEI would be a problem for the OEM style fuel line. The stainless line I have currently is already pretty close to the cap towers.

 

I just installed one on my 430. Clearance is good with the stock manifold. Not sure about the radiator hose. Haven't fired it up yet.

 

Yes the gauge of the original wire is too small. I ran the wire straight to the fuse box. I am not sure of the fuel line clearance because I have a non factory fuel line. That being said I love the unit and it was cost effective

 

To clarify, the original wire is a resistor wire that lowers the voltage. This helps the points last longer. HEI distributors need a full 12v.

 

I bought the TA HEI distributor for ease of use. I knew exactly how much mechanical advance was built into it (22*) like Larry said. Set my initial to 10* and adjusted the vacuum advance till it was the way I wanted. Simple.
Cliff

 

You can get the 12v wire is is only $10. Can't remember where I got it from but Larry70GS gave me the recommendation and it is in one of his threads so he could probably lead you to it

 

Just so I understand this correctly, this is a replacement for the ignition wire that plugs directly into the fuse box? Can I just make a wire with standard female and male spade terminals on the ends?

 

Ok Larry, I got it now. This harness has been "presidential engineered" already before I bought the car. So I'm going to have to really look it over to find the proper wire. I've not seen the firewall connector you mentioned, but I wasn't really looking either. I will take a good close look tomorrow evening after work before it gets dark. Thanks for the tips.

 

Or build a replacement wire that plugs into the "Accessory" spade on the interior fuse box, route it through an (existing?) hole in the firewall, and merely tuck the resistance wire up 'n' out of the way, insulating the connector on the end with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape.

Two inexpensive crimp-on terminals (both 1/4" female spade) and a length of red 12-gauge wire will do it. You can use fancier terminals, but you wouldn't have to.

 

Easiest thing to do is just get the cable. no fuss no muss and plugs right into your new distributor. It's 12.99 save yourself the stress