Re: [Amc-list] HEI distributor in AMCs

[Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>]

The plug gap on my 78 El Camino is .045" and it doesn't have a problem 
eating caps or rotors. The factory cap went about 80,000 miles, I 
replaced the second cap at about 140,000 (along with the factory plug 
wires) when I gave it a good tune up. That was 5 years ago but I don't 
recall either the cap or rotor being worn excessively. Just like 
anything else, there are plenty of crap parts on the market for Chevy 
motors but you should be able to get a good cap and rotor for a HEI for 
about $30 - $40. It would be a good idea to make sure the mechanical and 
vacuum advance stuff works properly.

The only typical failure part is the ignition module but those usually 
last a long time and they're inexpensive. What usually zaps them is bad 
plug wires (or someone cleaned the grease off the bottom of them -- you 
need that for heat transfer). If the plug wires going to the terminals 
near it are bad, it is possible the spark will go down through it 
instead of through the bad plug wires.

Matt

Sandwich Maker wrote:
> " From: "Jay" <jciampi@xxxxxxxx>
> " 
> " OK, I guess it is unanimous that the HEI should be OK to install in my car. 
> " I wonder why caps and rotors are short lived, although the amount I drive 
> " this car, it will take me awhile to put over 6k miles on it, so I won't 
> " worry about it. I' will just stock a spare cap and rotor.
> 
> it's the voltage.  you can improve cap/rotor life by gapping to .050"
> instead of .080" - secondary voltage will be reduced.
> 
> i'd also suggest you get a recurving kit for the hei.  you can pick up
> a bunch of essentially free oats by tweaking the curve over the stock
> setting.
> ________________________________________________________________________
> Andrew Hay                                  the genius nature
> internet rambler                            is to see what all have seen
> adh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx                       and think what none thought
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-- 
mhaas@xxxxxxx
Cincinnati, OH
http://www.mattsoldcars.com
1967 Rambler American wagon
1968 Rambler American sedan
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