Specializing in quality HEI and MSD trigger pickup only conversions, handbuilt into your stock points-type distributor
Announcing something different — true High-Energy-Ignition (HEI) that fits.
My conversion ignition systems are designed around electronic components that are available from any good auto parts store. There are no special or unobtainable electronics or other parts used in any of my conversion ignition systems. The parts and electronic components I use are selected to give higher performance and spark voltage output than the so-called "drop-in" conversion and stock point type ignition systems now available.
My HEI conversion ignition systems are suitable for stock, mild to mid-level performance engines, muscle cars, street rods, hot rods and any application where the user wants a better ignition system. All my HEI systems run on full battery voltage. No ballast resistor is required.
The MSD magnetic pickup trigger only conversions are designed to allow MSD ignition units to be used on distributor applications not covered by MSD available trigger only distributors, and for those users who would prefer a stock distributor look instead of the aftermarket units offered. All my MSD trigger only conversions come with a dedicated MSD connector plug. Wire-up connection to the 6A and 6AL series ignition units is a simple plug-it-in operation.
My HEI conversions use stock design point type distributor caps. Therefore, the ignition coil is not mounted in the cap, and is always mounted remote from the distributor, as a stock point ignition coil is. I will not ever use a coil mounted in the cap, as these coils are always epoxy filled, not oil filled, and run hotter than oil filled coils. Epoxy filled coils are simply not reliable, and they do not produce consistent levels of spark output performance as they heat up.
HEI and MSD trigger only conversions are available for the following distributors:
AMC
Delco-Remy V-8 window-type distributors only. Prestolite distributors cannot be fitted with my systems. Delco-Remy units fit all V-8s.
Ford
All V-8 engines using 1958 thru 1974 point distributors
Y-block, using 1958 thru 1962 distributors (no Load-a-Matic or tach drive)
FE, 332/352/390/406/427/428
Windsor, 260/289/302
5.0 conversion, for new crate engines, to use carburetor instead of EFI
351 Windsor
351 Cleveland, 351/400 Modified, 429/460 Lima (385 series)
The Ford distributors listed above may be built using a small diameter cap and remote mounted (hidden) module for a historically correct look, or with the large-diameter Duraspark cap set and internally-mounted HEI module for a more compact, cleaner appearance.
1949 thru 1953 upright flathead V-8 only, built with specific parts from the stock flathead and cast iron Chevrolet distributors. Uses Chevrolet cap, rotor, vacuum advance.
General Motors
All V-8 distributors, bowl and window type, 1955 thru 1974
All V-6, odd and even fire distributors, 1961 thru 1974
V-6, 4.3 litre only, conversion to use carburetor instead of EFI, built onto a modified V-8 distributor
I-6, 216/235/270/302-194/230/250/292 built onto a modified V-8 distributor
O6, Corvair, built into 1960/1961 distributor only
Mopar
V-8, early Hemi, all engine displacements
I can build either your stock cast iron, or a 318/340 aluminum distributor for your
early Hemi 318/340. Distributors modified for 331/354/392 engines are fitted with a special collar for the mainshaft with two different shaft lengths selectable from the collar, so one distributor fits all engines, no separate shaft for different length needs. All Hemi distributors I build, whether stock body or 318/340, HEI or MSD trigger only, can be built with or without vacuum advance, and all units come with a mechanical advance that is easily locked out for specific engine packages, such as with a blower and/or an EFI system.
Mallory
I-4, I-6, V-6 odd or even fire, V-8, point and Unilite, Comp 9000, point and Unilite distributors
MSD
Cast and billet design magnetic trigger distributors to HEI only (add HEI module).
Custom Conversions
I have done MSD trigger and HEI conversions to Ferrari V-12, Auburn, Cord, Buick straight eight, 368 Mercury V-8, D-C Du-Coil distributors, the twin-cylinder cars at Disneyland, and the 1932 fiberglass project car built by Chuck Hansen and Joe Elmore on Horsepower TV, as well as numerous other distributors no one makes conversions for. If you have a special American car distributor you want to convert, please contact me and we can discuss it. Some can be converted, and some cannot because of the lack of available inside the distributor for the magnetic pickup assembly I use.
When I convert your distributor, I rebuild it as a matter of course. I have to completely disassemble the distributor for cleaning and minor machine work to fit parts, so it makes sense to perform repairs and rebuild it at the same time as the conversion. During conversion, I replace both bushings, hard-chrome the mainshaft for reduced wear, recondition all parts to be reused, and install new electronics, vacuum advance, cap and rotor. All distributors are curved to the engine and driveline application, and performance spark tested before return.
My HEI conversions carry a one year warranty on all parts and workmanship. The warranty does not start until the distributor is put into use in your engine.
This Web site is constantly under construction. As new photos become available of the conversions I do, I will add them. New pictures will be of actual customers' distributors, with the name, engine type and town of that owner. There are quite a few conversions I have not taken pictures of yet. I'm working on it.
Pricing for Distributor Conversions
AMC V-8 Delco-Remy window type only
General Motors bathtub type V-8 all makes
General Motors window type V-8 all makes
General Motors Corvette FI and/or tach drive
General Motors Buick V-6 odd or even fire
General Motors Chevrolet 4.3 V-6 even fire only, and General Motors Chevrolet and GMC I-6
General Motors Corvair 1960-1961 distributor only
General Motors options (please add these costs to prices listed):
Crane Adjustable Vacuum Advance, part number 99601-1
MSD HEI wire terminal type distributor , part number 8435
Aluminum distributors only billet look or polish
Cast iron distributors must be painted. The default color is black; specify another color if desired.
Mopar early Hemi V-8 stock cast iron distributor
Mopar early Hemi V-8 late aluminum distributor
Ford small cap remote mount module point V-8 HEI
Ford large cap internal mount module point V-8 HEI
Ford small cap MSD trigger only
Ford small cap 5.0 crate engine / carburetor conversion / roller cam
Ford large cap 5.0 crate/carb conversion/roller cam
Ford large cap 5.0 crate/carb conversion/std cam
Ford Flathead upright mounting only 1949 to 1953
Ford options:
Small cap with Duraspark terminals, add $5.00
Ford small cap is defined as the stock points design small diameter distributor cap and rotor
Small cap HEI conversions must use a remote mounted HEI module.
Ford large cap is defined as the three-part, clip retained cap-rotor-spacer stand of the 1976 thru 1981 Duraspark ignition systems.
Point of information on Ford 1958 thru 1981 distributors: both large and small cap sets will install onto all V-8 Ford distributor bodies built within this time period. What makes one of my Ford conversions either a small or large cap distributor is simply the cap set I install on your particular conversion according to your requirements.
Mallory single/dual point/Unilite V-8 V-6 I-4 mechanical
Mallory single/dual point/Unilite V-8 V-6 I-4 vacuum
Mallory dual point/Unilite Comp 9000 V-8
MSD cast aluminum/billet trigger only distributors
Specialty and American automobile distributors not listed above may also be
convertible. Please contact me for a price quote on your specialty HEI or MSD trigger only conversion. NAPA
IC12 performance coil (black) — $35.00 MSD 8200 Blaster II performance coil (chrome) —
$45.00
Chevrolet intake manifold mount coil bracket (chrome) — $5.00
General Motors firewall mount coil bracket (chrome) — $5.00
The above coils and brackets are also available from your local speed shops and retail parts outlets, and are the exact same parts I would send to you. In most cases, you can purchase these items for less than I can actually purchase them for, so please, get the best deal you can on them. Don't feel you must buy the coils and brackets only from me for your conversion.
I always pay return shipping by Priority Mail (three-day service).
At this time, there are only two payment options, cash and United States Postal
Money Orders ONLY. NO other form of money order, check (personal or company) is
acceptable. I find the Postal Money Orders to be a fast and reliable method of
payment, and safe for both parties
Thank you for visiting my Web site. If you wish to have me do a conversion for
you, please either e/mail or call me for a Specification Sheet to fill out and
include with your distributor before you send it in. The specification sheet has
important information for both of us, pricing, optional items, and simplifies
the conversion process, plus saves time in getting the completed distributor
conversion back to you.
Please call with your Mallory distributor type, as there are many different Mallory bodies.
Although certain smaller diameter distributors aren't convertible, most are.
Using your rebuildable and convertible core only
Prices are subject to change without notice, but I'll post changes as soon as possible.
An AMC Delco-Remy window distributor is required for this conversion. It fits all V-8
engines
Full HEI conversion — $175.00
MSD trigger conversion — $135.00
Full HEI conversion — $175.00
MSD trigger conversion — $135.00
Full HEI conversion — $175.00
MSD trigger conversion — $135.00
This conversion is remote module mount only, and does not permanently alter the distributor.
Full HEI conversion — $175.00
MSD trigger conversion — $135.00
Full HEI conversion — $180.00
MSD trigger conversion — $140.00
I supply the core, and you must send stock I-6 gear for conversion. Hold-down clamp included
Full HEI conversion — $210.00
MSD trigger conversion — $170.00
Full HEI conversion — $180.00
MSD trigger conversion — $140.00
Full HEI conversion — $10.00
MSD trigger conversion — $10.00
Full HEI conversion — $10.00
MSD trigger conversion — $10.00
No additional charge
These are the easiest to convert, if you have one.
Full HEI conversion — $180.00
MSD trigger conversion — $140.00
The core is from 318/340/360 LA engine. You may supply a core if desired, and deduct $5.00.
Full HEI conversion — $210.00
MSD trigger conversion — $170.00
Full HEI conversion — $175.00
MSD trigger conversion not available
Full HEI conversion — $190.00
MSD trigger conversion not available
Full HEI conversion not available
MSD trigger conversion — $135.00
Includes proper gear for 5.0 roller cam, remote mounted HEI module
Full HEI conversion — $215.00
MSD trigger conversion — $185.00
Full HEI conversion — $230.00
MSD trigger conversion not available
This conversion uses a stock early gear from core distributor.
Full HEI conversion — $190.00
MSD trigger conversion not available
This conversion uses parts from the stock flathead and early GM iron distributors.
Full HEI conversion — $210.00
MSD trigger conversion — $170.00
This cap is designed to use the stock Duraspark 8mm wire sets while keeping the stock small diameter of the cap for clearance and/or appearance reasons. Works well with the MSD Trigger only conversions. This cap will fit all Ford V-8 distributors from 1958 thru 1981 that use clips to retain the cap)
Full HEI conversion — $165.00
MSD trigger conversion — $135.00
Full HEI conversion — $175.00
MSD trigger conversion — $145.00
Full HEI conversion — $185.00
MSD trigger conversion — $145.00
Full HEI conversion — $175.00
MSD trigger conversion not available
Dave Ray
(775) 463-1821 (Shop)
(775)
463-1809 (Fax)
sparkman451@earthlink.net
Dave's Small-Body HEI's
24 Buffalo Lane
Yerington, Nevada, 89447
http://www.DavesSmallBodyHEIs.com/