Higher RPM was an issue with the first few years of the HEI system (introduced on select vehicles in '74, "across the board" in '75, and perhaps troublesome into '76.) Far as I know, after '76, HEI was fine for any reasonable street-driven RPM. A '74--'75--'76 distributor in otherwise good condition, with a later-production module and ignition coil would work good. Coil dwell (saturation) is better with HEI than with points. 1. Coil is charged with more voltage than a ballast-resistor system, which means the coil saturates faster. 2. A properly-designed HEI module includes variable dwell. Dwell tends to follow RPM--greater RPM, greater dwell (within the limits of the module.) I knew a couple of folks that added a "Mallory Power Cell" to their HEIs, and they seemed to like them. Mind you, this was pre-1980; the HEIs were purchased from the salvage yard, and none of us knew that the first couple years of HEI production had trouble with higher RPM, while the later versions didn't. I have NO idea what those distributors came out of. I've heard nothing but good about Dave Ray's work; aside from delays caused by medical issues. Far as I know, he's still offering "free advice" but his sales of product has ended. You're not the first to say that current-production modules have quality issues. I have a stash of "old" modules; maybe a "lifetime supply" if I'm careful. So I have no direct experience with new modules and their failure rate.
I’ve used Lectric Ltd in my 470 for 6 years now without a single problem start up or all out running. Great product in my opinion and I’m at 570 HP.
