Distributor upgrade?

[C3RVETTE]

I'm thinking I need to upgrade my distributor,and I'm leaning heavily towards an MSD unit. I'd like advice on what I need to look for,& if you have part numbers that would be even better maybe. My stock 350 had an unknown mild cam install before I got it.Upgrades include headers,dual exhaust,Air-Gap intake,Performer Carb,hi-performance plug wires.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

If your stock HEI is working OK an aftermarket unit will gain you nothing. Best spend your money on something else.

 

[minifridge1138]

I agree with Mikey. Keep the stock HEI. There is no reason to switch. Spend the money on something like headers or a cam if you want a performance boost.

 

[Hib Halverson]

If this engine is stock or mildly-modified, the stock HEI distributor, provided the distributor itself is in good condition and its cap, rotor and coil are in good condition, is the way to go.

 

[JohnGrawcock]

Upgrade the insides

The stock HEI is a good start but there are gains to be had by modifying the mechanical and vacuum advance curves. Your may also want to upgrade the ignition module. The original units start to lose some spark somewhere around 4800 RPM.

 

[C3RVETTE]

I recently switched from a Weiand Action Plus manifold & Holley carb,to an Edelbrock Performer Air-Gap manifold & Edelbrock Performer carb.Other mods are a mild cam,Taylor braided 8.5 mm wires,complete dual exhaust w/headers-no cats, TH200-4R Level 2 OD tranny from Bowtie OD's

 

[BarryK]

I agree with the advice given already - stick with the stock HEI unit as it's a good distributor. Just make sure the cap, rotor, and coil are all good as Hib has mentioned. Check to see when the timing all comes in by and you might have to change out the springs to adjust it so that it gives you 36º total timing, with the vacuum advance disconnected and line plugged, all in between 2800-3000 rpm. Once the timing is set to that than reconnect the vacuum advance and make sure it's connected to a full manifold vacuum source, not a ported vacuum source.