C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits?

Old 04-28-2003, 02:33 PM
  #1  
TedH
Le Mans Master
Support Corvetteforum!
Thread Starter
 
TedH's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 1999
Location: Tampa Bay FL
Posts: 8,344
Received 66 Likes on 53 Posts

Default What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits?

I'm considering an Accel Performance HEI Module to sustain ignition Spark above 3500rpm. Right now, I have an Accel Performance distributor but I am not certain the module is a Performance module.

Anybody with real documented dyno results showing improved spark/performance over 3500rpm with intro of performance HEI module?

Also, let me know the type of module you run in the poll below. I tried to allow for about all types of modules but if yours isn't here add it.
Old 04-28-2003, 04:16 PM
  #2  
TedH
Le Mans Master
Support Corvetteforum!
Thread Starter
 
TedH's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 1999
Location: Tampa Bay FL
Posts: 8,344
Received 66 Likes on 53 Posts

Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (TedH)

ttt. Come on folks, there have to be alot of HEIs on this forum. No aftermarket modules?
Old 04-28-2003, 04:41 PM
  #3  
Captain Morgan
Le Mans Master
 
Captain Morgan's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2000
Location: Westfield Indiana
Posts: 6,036
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (TedH)

I had purchased a flame thrower module, and dynoed the vette before and after. No difference. I had the stock, 23 year old module, in the vette before, and adding the flame thrower didn't produce any measurable results on the dyno. However, if you haven't recurved your timing, to get total advance of about 34 - 36 in by 3000 RPM, you are losing a few HP's there. I suggest Lars' recurve kit. Very easy to install, and biggest bang for the buck.
Old 04-28-2003, 05:50 PM
  #4  
PureSilver
Racer
 
PureSilver's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2003
Location: Mechanicsville VA
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (TedH)

haven't decided on what to do with mine yet- do any hot HEI setups affect the electric tach?
Old 04-28-2003, 05:56 PM
  #5  
bence13_33
Safety Car
 
bence13_33's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2000
Location: Clymer PA
Posts: 3,909
Received 26 Likes on 26 Posts

Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (TedH)

Ted:
I'm running the stock AC Delco HEI ignition module in my distributor, the same one that came with it back in 1976. I've never changed it. My biggest performance gain was timing related. My distributor was set at 29 degrees total timing. I hooked a timing light up to it and set it to 38-39 degrees total by 3000RPMs. My MPH jumped from 115.91 to 117.72 MPH in the 1/4 mile. It gained 1.81MPH I don't know what that translates to in horsepower gains but it was significant.
Old 04-28-2003, 06:13 PM
  #6  
Pete79L82
Drifting
 
Pete79L82's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2000
Location: WI
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (TedH)

Ted:

I have done back to back dyno runs on motors with different HEI modules in them. I have tried every manufacture I could think of. On medium and low compression motors (under 13-1 compression) and under 7500 RPM I could not find any HP difference in any of them. They didn't gain any horsepower and they didn't lose any horsepower.


If you want to save yourself a little money keep what you have. If you want to brag about having the latest "hot product" buy whatever brand you like ( and get a free decal along with it :lolg: )


It is amazing when you don't get parts from people that advertise in your magazine how much different the dyno results are!
Old 04-28-2003, 07:22 PM
  #7  
Captain Morgan
Le Mans Master
 
Captain Morgan's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2000
Location: Westfield Indiana
Posts: 6,036
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (bence13_33)

Ted, concerning the timing, bence is running a big block so his total timing can be a bit higher. On the small blocks, you generally don't want any higher than 36 degrees total timing (with vac advance hose off and plugged). If you start to notice detonation, lower your timing until detonation is gone.

BTW, I "voted" for the Flame Thrower because you said to "vote for what you have". I don't suggest that you use a flame thrower because of my previous comment about dyno testing and ill results. The only reason I kept it was because I gave the springs and weights to someone since I already set up my timing. I couldn't return it to JEG'S without all of the components and I'm too nice to take something back that I've already given to someone.

I'd say the claim that the flame thrower package "increased up to 20HP" is because of the weights and springs used in recurving the distributor. I gained 18 RWHP just by recurving my dist.



[Modified by Captain Morgan, 6:29 PM 4/28/2003]
Old 04-28-2003, 08:10 PM
  #8  
TedH
Le Mans Master
Support Corvetteforum!
Thread Starter
 
TedH's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 1999
Location: Tampa Bay FL
Posts: 8,344
Received 66 Likes on 53 Posts

Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (Captain Morgan)

I'm running about 35 degrees total; all in by about 2500rpm:

RPM Adv
700 25
1500 30
2500 35
3000 35

The engine is very happy with this setup.
Old 04-28-2003, 08:47 PM
  #9  
Scott78
Drifting
 
Scott78's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (TedH)

I'm running stock HEI module but with Lars' recurve kit so I run 12 degrees initial with 35 total, all in by 3000 RPM. I believe the only difference between a stock and aftermarket module is the "dwell" or coil build up time the module develops. Honestly I think the advance curve will get you more performance then the module will.

Scott
Old 04-28-2003, 08:51 PM
  #10  
turtlevette
Melting Slicks
 
turtlevette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
St. Jude Donor '03,'11

Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (TedH)

I run the MSD module. It seems to give a hotter spark. The car cold starts and cold idles better with it. MSD claims a much hotter spark to 6 grand and will work all the way to 9 grand without misfire.

It must be hotter because i burned up an Accel coil and a stock coil before i got wise and installed the MSD matching coil. MSD also makes a solid metal coil to rotor pin that replaces the stock graphite one. I have yet to put this in, but this thread reminded me. I will install it this week.

The MSD module seems to have more parts and electronics on it. It is about twice the size of the stock module but fits with no hassle.

I believe this to be the best module but i have no hard data to prove it.
Old 04-28-2003, 09:20 PM
  #11  
Mike Carter
5th Gear
 
Mike Carter's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2003
Location: Nolanville Texas
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (TedH)

Mallory Unilite, Mallory Coil.
Old 04-29-2003, 01:06 AM
  #12  
427Hotrod
Race Director
 
427Hotrod's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2000
Location: Corsicana, Tx
Posts: 12,603
Received 1,874 Likes on 912 Posts
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist

Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (Mike Carter)

I used to use a stock GM one in my 427 when it was in the Camaro. That sucker turned 7600 rpm spraying two loads of nitrous on it and it never missed a beat!

I've seen dyno tests that tried to prove one better than the other, but run to run variations were easily well within dyno variables. I'm sure there is something there,but i doubt you'll ever feel it or see it on a timeslip unless you have some other problem that happens to get fixed in the process.

A good stock one will work fine.


JIM
Old 04-29-2003, 03:22 AM
  #13  
Guru_4_hire
Team Owner
 
Guru_4_hire's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2002
Location: All humans are vermin in the eyes of Guru VA
Posts: 62,198
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran

Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (427Hotrod)

I am looking into an HEI with a hook-up for a mechanical tach hook up
Old 04-29-2003, 08:18 AM
  #14  
mrvette
Team Owner
 
mrvette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 1999
Location: Orange Park Florida
Posts: 65,310
Received 223 Likes on 204 Posts

Default Re: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits? (Guru_4_hire)

Guru, you are much better off with a tach from 75-77 in your car, the old mechanical stuff is just too unreliable....no sense messing with it...just not worth the maintanance problems, in fact it's so bad, I have never seen a tach work on an old vette that's not totally reworked...
the tach filter also needs installed, that filter you have to make....no problem...

GENE
Old 10-28-2010, 11:25 AM
  #15  
Perfect81
Navigator
 
Perfect81's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2010
Location: Mineola NY
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Mallory Coil; Accel Super Ignition Module; AC Delco Rapidfire Plugs; MSD Cap, Rotor, and 8.5 mm Wires
Old 10-28-2010, 11:33 AM
  #16  
MrJlr
Race Director
 
MrJlr's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Chino CA
Posts: 12,239
Received 13 Likes on 10 Posts

Default

Summit HEI.....basic.

I don't have numbers, but starting, idle, and seat-of-the-pants ALL improved...noticable.

Old 10-28-2010, 12:20 PM
  #17  
Mike Ward
Race Director
 
Mike Ward's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 0
Received 29 Likes on 27 Posts

Default

Why are you guys digging up posts that have been dormant for SEVEN years?

Get notified of new replies

To What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits?

Old 10-28-2010, 12:48 PM
  #18  
billcarson
Drifting
 
billcarson's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: nassau co. new york
Posts: 1,839
Received 45 Likes on 32 Posts

Default

interesting to see the old avitar's.some of them may be dead or in jail by now.
Old 10-28-2010, 06:46 PM
  #19  
jb78L-82
Le Mans Master
 
jb78L-82's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2007
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 7,114
Received 740 Likes on 617 Posts

Default

I run a crane HEI ignition module instead of the AC Delco and a hypertech coil in the HEI distributor. As others have said, I can't notice any noticeable improvement in HP but cold start and idle seemed to improve after the install. 36 total timing all in at 3,000 RPM made the biggest seat of the pants difference.
Old 10-29-2010, 11:34 AM
  #20  
chevymans 77
Melting Slicks
Support Corvetteforum!
 
chevymans 77's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2002
Location: Sulphur LA
Posts: 2,686
Received 105 Likes on 95 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19

Default

Accel HEI with Accel super coil on top, MSD moduel with adjustable rev limit.

Car starts when I need it to even after washing engine

Neal

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: What Style of HEI Ignition Module Do You Run? Benefits?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:15 AM.