HEI Upgrade

On my 75, 258, I have the stock ignition control module, electronic distributor and coil. How much difference would converting to an HEI distributor setup? How much should it cost (I've looked at several with a wide variety of prices)...and which would you guys reccomend?

Thanks

 

There was a huge diffrence when i converted to HEI from my worn out half broken points dizzy. The ready to run hei distributors are quite expensive in the 300 dollar range. If your willing to do a little work a HEI distributor from a late 70's early 80 gm truck with a I6 will drop in with a distributor gear from an AMC V8 (do a google search). I did this for about 60 bucks total, i was given the distributor so your may be a little more.

 

From what I've read, it can be done for as little as $50, if you can find a salvage yard HEI from an 1980s Chevrolet six cylinder (the ones with the coil mounted on the distributor) and then replace the drive gear either with one from an AMC 304/360 (about $20 from a Crown dealer IIRC) or grind down the six cylinder Jeep drive gear to the same length as a 304/360 drive gear. Everybody that I've read about doing it seems very pleased with the results. Good luck.

Edit: Guess I need to start checking for faster typers before I post.

 

THE best upgrade I have done on my 75/258. I purchased mine off of e-bay and it was a
very easy install. Try to get new plug wires with the HEI, 'cause it takes special wires
and they are fairly expensive. Also, don't forget to change your sparkplugs and set the gap to approx. .50.........

This is a HUGE improvement over the stock set-up.

 

The Prestolite system (75-77 Jeep) isn't high-energy like the HEI. Instead, it's like a points ignition with an electronic breaker. Works fine when it isn't broken. Has a reputation for not being very durable or reliable.

 

I've converted a couple and IMHO it's worth every dime. Smoother idle, easier start up especially when cold, and better throttle response. Kind of wakes up the 6 cylinder to better run at its potential. Nickmil

 

4wd.com has them for like 150.

I have seen many of them on Ebay for around 150. Also, check out bulltear.com I think they have them as well.

High5

 

With the HEI and a Delco Alternator you can get rid of about 80% of the wiring under the hood. Its make a much cleaner look and less to go wrong.

 

:iagree:

And parts are available at just about the local grocery store!R)R)

 

I did the 4WD.com. It was $149, but I saved another 10% from a code in JP magazine. It was a one wire hook up and runs great. I added a second wire to the VDO Tach I installed, but really came out nice. The other thing I should point out is the 4WD model came with the gear. Other options I considered did not. Overall great and economical upgrade. Love it.

 

as far as i'm concerned, changing from the b.i.d. distributor/coil/box to an hei is the best modification that can be done for the motor in that vintage cj. it will idle better, the motor won't misfire, and you'll get improved performance. all for less than $75, if you want to do a little bit of work yourself.

i got a used hei on ebay for $30, and bought a set of drof 300 inline plug wires at vip for $20. i altered the original distributor drive gear by grinding off the collar, and re-gapped the plugs from .030 to .050. i've had the system now for two years, and have had zero issues with motor reliability.

 

I too have done 3 HEI upgardes. Each one with distributors from Ebay vendors for about $150.00 to $300.00. All worked well. The expensive dist came from a Canadian company "DragonFire" it was a bit higher quaility, nicer bearings... I also went with a Mallory dist in my 360 Scrambler. It works as well as the HEIs but it cost $350.00.

 

AMEN to the HEI Upgrade. I did the 4.0 Head conversion on my 258 at the same time as the HEI.....fired her up today and "HOLY CRAP" is all I can say. LOVE IT!!! I will NEVER run another 232 or 258 again without an HEI Distributor.

 

this is where i got mine...picked up their tach to.
http://www.crtperformance.com/html/jeep_amc_hei_s.html

 

$90 for a V-8 HEI??? 8)
You can't get a rebuild DuraSpark dizzy for that! If they're as good as they sound, that is a kickin' deal! And it looks like they come with the gear, just add wires...

 

The gear was included...so far im happy with it