GM HEI electronic distributor how to wire and run install DIY

all my videos are in 1080p so check that out
just an idea on how the GM HEI electronic distributor is wired up
thanks for watching and please subscribe

[@tablist33]

Perfect "how-to" video! Straight & to the point! Informative & very detailed! Bravo Sir

[@Mistermopar]

Huge thanks from across the pond! I've just fitted a new motor in my '74 Nova and decided to completely rewire the engine bay. I just couldn't figure out 'BATT' on the distributor cap and bingo you've not only explained it, but given a great diagram as well! Thanks again Chris, I've just hit the Subscribe button.

[@gjerdegjerde4909]

Perfect "how-to do it" video! Straight & to the point! Informative & very detailed! Thank you so much!

[@arturobarbosa6744]

Chris! Thanks brouch for sharing your knowledge!!! Recently I bought a 1970 F600 Dump truck and I was having ignition problems... I worked on cars long time ago and forgot some principles!!! Easy to understand your wire diagram!! I'll give it a try today!!

[@HeavenOnEarthMap]

I'm not a mechanic but after watching your video I am confident enough to install my own HEI distributor -- thank you Chris!

[@christiansoldier1968]

Found this video while searching how to hook up spark advance, PCV valves, etc, then discovered I also need to watch everything this video has to offer because I'll need it again soon. Converted over to HEI in my 61 Chevy, but haven't started figuring out key wiring yet.

[@chriscraft77022]

just dont use the exsiting coil wire.. run a 12v wire.. that old coil wire is resisted down..

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hey Chris. I have been watching all your wiring videos. They are a real big help seeing I have no idea what I am doing. You have taught me a lot. I am just about finished re-wiring my Fargo and hope to have it running soon. Thanks again.👍👍

[@jamesbentley817]

Thank you for showing the coil to ignition diagram at 6min!! After 2 weekends of frustration and a crazy number of lame videos you came through with the needed info. 5 minutes under the dash and I'm running! Thanks again 👍😎👍

[@jonathanking6546]

Thanks Chris, I inherited a 1969 c10 with a newer engine and couldn’t get it started. A mechanic had told the previous owner that he wanted to buy it and after looking at it the truck wouldn’t run. after watching your video you said the battery marking should say ignition. I looked and sure enough, nothing was plugged in. I hooked a jump wire to the battery and hit the ignition and it started instantly. I think the mechanic cut the wire but your video saved me a lot of headache. Thanks

[@chriscraft77022]

just remember you have an existing POSITIVE coil wire that is NOT 12 VOLTS that comes from ignition.. you need to go on the fuse box like in the video and run a NEW wire ... your truck has a place IGN just waiting for the new wire..

[@georgeullrich9086]

Doing an hei swap in my 70' Deville. Should eliminate my points pain. Your video helped a lot!

[@kongsgarage7157]

I used your paper ball trick. Way less sketchy feeling than the finger over the hole trick. Thanks man.

[@chevybel6287]

Best video explaining HEI wiring!!! Thank you so much.

[@jmh52583]

Thank you for this video. This is the most info I've gotten for an HEI.

[@kevingansmann2741]

it's okay loved the video u explained hei disributor better than any video I've watched!

[@markchristy6930]

😉

[@yafois988]

This was a very good explanation with drawing & wire Ga., info which were helpful, thx. The 12 Ga., wire power and its fuse box source is vital info.

[@JavierGarcia-nx9de]

Thank you for adding the fuse box to your diagram..this is only diagram on the interwebs with the fuse box drawn in... thanks again clear as mud now.

[@SM4540Y]

Thanks . You saved my brain cells I was stressing over the wiring

[@doginwoods]

That part you are pointing out to identify, is very important, called the "vacuum advance". It's purpose is to advance the ignition timing when you squeeze open the throttle plate. Without it, the motor will bog. But, nice vid. I'd love to build one of those pigs again. Long time!

[@BigSwipe]

I’m having this issue with a 350 Olds motor. It’s an early 70s motor installed in a g body cutlass and they used a distributor without the vacuum advance and my car drives like shit. 😁

[@nbowling10trio]

Yessir, I had no desire to learn about points and how to set them. I had already been around H.E.I. so when I seen my wife's 1964 Malibu had a 1970 350ci 4 bolt main engine out of a box truck I went to junk yard and bought a HEI distributor from an early eighties Camaro and dropped it in. Super easy upgrade. Opened gap on the plugs to match Camaro which was around double. Set timing and man what an improvement. Everything got better, mpg, sound, idle, pulled harder. Excellent! Then I took the big holley off and torker2 intake manifold. Replaced with edelbrock performer rpm matching intake and 650cfm Carb. Runs great now, almost like it's fuel injected. Now I just have to get the power glide rebuilt, it's getting a little clunky on downshift.

[@chriscraft77022]

make some videos....i have honestly never seen a 64 chevelle in real life

[@nbowling10trio]

Chris Craft, that's a good idea. I didn't really think about how rare it is. noahsdad1972 is the channel it'll be on. I'll make some videos of it and my father in laws 31 A Model he's dumped alot of money in and been in few car shows.

[@emeryhersh8702]

Thank you so much! this has helped me phenomenally !

[@starwolfie5684]

thank you i been looking for a vid like this and this one is what i needed for my stock hei and answered a question i been wanting a answer to and no other vid had answered it till now

[@timchase4268]

Thanks for the video I have a 77 k10 with no cab wiring because the rock head that owned it before me ripped it all out and didn’t know how to wire it back together so I’m in the process of just trying to have the lights and the ignition work so I can at least drive it until I get a painless wiring harness

[@cameronfeltz2875]

Best video I have seen explaining this. It really helped

[@craigrichardson8096]

Chris....thanks for the videos. I too have installed a HEI ignition in my 69 SS with a 70 LS6 engine. I am fortunate because I have a neighbor who's first assignment when he hired into GM was the HEI ignition system. I was having trouble getting my car started and he stopped by to help. It turns out when you change over to HEI and eliminate the separate coil the resistance wire is the issue. My neighbor suggested that I order a compatible (custom updated) wiring harness that has the resistance wire built into the system: has the resistance wire included in the clip into the "BAT" side of the HEI cap. The "R" post is used on the solenoid and goes into the clip. I now have no starting or charging issues. Hopes this helps others with install.

[@chriscraft77022]

that’s why I show running a new 12v wire … not using the old resisted coil wire ..so many people have thumbed this video down because they said you show running a new wire when the old coil wire can be used.. you do not use a resisted wire with HEI.. anyone that suggests buying a new wiring harness doesn’t know anything about cars or wiring..

[@craigrichardson8096]

@@chriscraft77022 Hi Chris. I did purchase a new bulk head connector from American Auto Wire at the suggestion of my neighbor who's first project when hired in to GM was the HEI ignition system. The difference was the new bulk head connector has a yellow wire that attaches at the solenoid at the "R" connection and this wire also clips into the HEI at the bat port along with the pink primary solenoid wire. But, I would like to show you what I discovered in my attempt to remedy my no crank, no start issue. I know it will help some of your subscribers who are facing the same issue with these old muscle cars. I have pics to send you if I can get your e-mail. I know you will be surprised. Stay safe. Craig

[@mrmuffins9447]

I pulled mine out and forgot to mark where it was at so this was super helpful thanks

[@alfredoluciano5794]

Great video keep them coming your greatly appreciated

[@ohnohere2b43]

You deserve a metal man. This is point and click

[@Ketchithere]

Thanks a lot! It's been a long time and this was a good refresher!

[@jamesjoyce3225]

nice wrk. I totally learned alot from that video. I have a 76 gmc chevy that I am redoing. thx again my frnd☺

[@seanbruton319]

James Joyce . Me to man

[@fstarockaburns425]

thanks for the vid, very long winded but overall very clear - much appreciated. U were right about the 12g wire lol -

[@ddeandree]

Your video is very informative.... i have a 62 impala and im trying to diaognose an no spark issue

[@cg4322]

What u need is a joint.... Then spark it up dude.

[@milestruex9850]

nice job young man, very clear and to the point !!!!!

[@faisalalmajed5034]

Thank you brother, I have learned a lot from you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@87octane2]

hey man thank you so much for this detailed explanation. i was confused on how to wire these hei units and had no idea that ignition control module was inside of the distributor itself, and you can directly connect it to the battery to test it. I am going to connect my junk yard engine this way to test it

[@XtremeScratchers]

Good Video and Explanation, im putting HEI on my 66 chevy 327 , been rebuilt and cant wait to start it up

[@chriscraft77022]

what wire are you going to use to power the HEI? ( run a new one or old positive coil wire?)

[@jimbola77]

Excellent video there partner!!! thank you for sharing! God Bless! and Happy New Years!!!!!

[@lamargreen3082]

Great video helped me out a lot. Thanks Chris!

[@georgefunt6303]

Love how you laid it all out ,pretty simple and understandable. Only question I have is why an AFB or Carter carb? A "good" Q-Jet that's set up right will give you good gas mileage if you stay out'a the 4-barrel but also will give that 454 one hell of a top performance head jerker with that 4-barrel ,better than a pretty boy Holley.

[@user-jw6cw9dt9l]

Great video I enjoyed the easy way you're explaining things it takes the stress out of it lol ✌️🇱🇷

[@thewiersma7063]

thank you for the great video your greatly appreciated greetings from Holland.

[@Sunevel]

YESALL🤘🏼 my 65 GALAXIE is about to go HEI. Sounds like the right move. Currently has a ford electric box / no points set up but think this will be a great upgrade. Keep ya posted ;) thanks for the help in advance

[@christopherturbiville2373]

Great job explaining. Thanks for the video

[@paulpatriot1776]

Awesome video sir. Thank you.

[@trshorte]

Thanks for the video! SUPER helpful.

[@jeremyfoster9739]

The video was very informative and I like it well done. I will never use the GM ignition.

[@fredrikjacobsson25]

Good video its exactly what im looking for how to connect The wires and where nr 1is

[@cockasorrus7475]

Thank you for sharing your info!

[@lesliemclean4381]

I have my oldsmobile setup where I can switch over to regular ignition key on start or battery to toggle switch off/on direct to the hei distributor. Since I had a broken wire from ignition switch on steering column to distributor that made the car's engine intermittenly shut off at times while driving killing power to the distributor .Makes a kool backup setup.

[@andyguner7830]

Thank you for the Video ! from Germany Andy

[@brandonrandom2138]

Thank you so much for the video, saved my sanity

[@mattderp4154]

yes bad ass finely good job man time to try it on my 64 Catalina thanks man

[@vaccumme]

Very Nice. Thank's for directing me too this Video. Ted.

[@johnnyhi2159]

Very easy and nice method. You rock dude

[@drtb69]

Really good video , thank you. Subscribed!!

[@dv8hays]

You did a good job explaining ty.

[@misterfignewton4395]

Helpful, thanks brother!

[@ramonperez6767]

Thanks for your help.Have a Nice weekend.

[@teddeherrera8567]

Right on thank you this video was a lot of help

[@rawouch]

Thank you. Just changed over th HEI on my 70 Monte Carlo and this helped.

[@chriscraft77022]

make sure you run 12v and don’t use the original coil wire it is resisted down

[@SolidSnake4Ever2003]

Thx for this vid, I've always contemplated switching my spare vehicle 92 5.0 tbi firebird to carb, even after changing out literally every sensor it never ran quite right and takes a bit of cranking for it to actually start...yet in every carb vid I've ever seen vehicles instantly start up

[@chriscraft77022]

I have a 1988 5.0 TBI in my work van.. it spins over 3 or 4 times before it starts ( that is normal )... i pulled all the emissions stuff off of it and replaced everything except the knock sensor.. it runs perfect.. I would try that before putting a carb on it..

[@SolidSnake4Ever2003]

thx at least it's normal then, with a new starter put on that's about what mine takes to start too....could use a starter heat shield wrap for good measure... I actually remember hearing pulling the smog stuff off can really breathe new life into these older engines....mine still has all that crap on, I need to get me some 1 1/4th inch pipe end cover caps to plug the holes in the manifold after removing the "AIR SYSTEM" :)

[@chriscraft77022]

dont rip everything off.. plug one thing off at a time and make sure the engine runs fine with it plugged or removed.. i had to leave some egr stuff on it... make sure your battery is 100% good.. i wasted 5 hours messing with it one day and the problem was a low battery.. (it started up and ran but would run weird) the battery was at like 12 volts.. once it charged up to 13 i closed the hood and its been running perfect for 6 years now

[@markcastillo7078]

i have watched a bunch of your videos. And i would like to thank you for taking the time to make them for all of us DIY out here. Thank you. Have a question on installing a HEI on a Chevy small block 265. I have the old style key switch but i have no tach. so of course I am wiring like you showed for the batt.from the key switch. So do i just leave tach open since i don't have one? Or does something else need to go there? Again thank you your videos have helped me a lot .

[@chriscraft77022]

open

[@mattkep9064]

Thank you. Very helpful

[@garymelik3805]

Tkx its great to see the kis principle and not a talk down

[@RoccoDemonikDeLuca]

Good video. I've done this on my 72 but, I accidentally ordered a large cap internal distributor base, cap and rotor for my 90 firebird, not realizing I needed a small cap external coil. So now I'm thinking I could just run the pink wire off of the 2 wire pink/white wire harness that goes to the coil but, there's supposed to be another 2 wire harness, that has pink/black + a 4 wire connector that runs too the module, which I'm confident I don't need. It's a tbi obd1 with a carb and all the emissions crap is gone but, I still have the ecm installed to power the electric fuel pump, electric fan, etc. So my concern is, if I just ignore the 4 wire module connector, the pink/black connector and only plug in the pink (from key) wire from the pink/white connector, do you know if the ECM is gonna go haywire and burn up or shut down?

[@thestuffed1601]

Very good I think I can do it now !! Thanks

[@jaimezapien4897]

I need that whole unit u got, makes shit easy

[@impopn3]

Thanks, great video, and very helpful.

[@joechapman1266]

Great helpful video!

[@brettsummer5070]

That little test panel is awesome (stealing that idea)

[@joeorta6644]

That look really easy I got mine. Had someone work on it supposed to be a mechanic a real mechanic I like the way your daddy I'm going to give it a try myself thanks

[@Linkys_Adventure]

I usually don't give out likes I don't know why I guess because I don't want somebody's stuff constantly in my news feeds cuz there's a lot of people who will go and take and make dumb videos back to back back to back or they're about the same stuff for repetitively after they just got through talking about it the day before and I just really can't stand that but anyway this is the best video that I have found out there on how to wire a HEI distributor I already knew how to do it but it's just been so long since I have wired one by myself that I was just looking for pointers just to ensure that I still know what the hell I'm doing lol anyway I thank you so much And you just got yourself a subscriber too by the way

[@chriscraft77022]

the main thing to know is that points ignition cars had a resisted wire to positive coil.. so you have to run a new 12v wire to the HEI coil

[@stevecanyon23]

Hey Chris, thanks for the video and a long question. I am about to hook up a HEI in my 1968 Camaro. I am confused as to which wire is actually the one that transmits the signal to the Tachometer. I have installed an OER repop Tic Toc Tach with the fitting printed circuit board on the back of the instrument cluster. I also got a tach filter (was recommended for use of the OER Tach with a HEI. All I have on my current engine wiring harness is apparently only for use with a conventional breaker point ignition with a coil. So, it's the braided resistance wire soldered together with a yellow one for the + side of the coil. There's also a black wire, which I presume is ground for the wiper motor. Then I have a purple one (for the starter solenoid) and another yellow wire, where I don't know what thats is for. What would be the "TACH" wire on the HEI? The "BAT" wire I believe would be a 12 gauge wire instead of the resistance wire. Hope you can give me some guidance, thanks in advance.

[@nicholaskuhar6232]

nice easy video..good step by step

[@caddi70]

Converting my 70 Impala today. Did it once about 20 years ago on a 64 Impala

[@chriscraft77022]

just remember that positive coil wire will be resisted down...

[@glennmanchester1568]

I had great success with those distributors often tho the mechical advance those springs and weights will actually get stuck and it will not well run right no power I've had good success with lighter springs called a curve kit it does make a difference to get advance of timing quicker .. but those distributors will run well,over 6000 rpms without a hickup,

[@baynmods]

great video !!!! thanks man

[@treshawnd.weatherspoon2153]

Thank God for you bruh. I really need some extra assistance I have the same fuse box but a 73 Impala. I have power on the fuse box but the lights on the dash aren’t coming on anymore.

[@BelgianMalingator]

Thank you for this video and drawings. It really helped me wrap my head around it. My batt wire going from the distributor to the fuse block attached to the firewall is no good. What would you recommend me doing its a 78 gmc caballero

[@joeh2401]

Thanks for the video

[@Doug-ui2ep]

Great job!

[@jacofspade]

Great vid

[@jmerrell5660]

where does the vacuum advance hose plug in on the carb ( i have a holly 650) very new to carbs. ive only messed with efi. ??? thanks

[@pickleboat45]

Good job - thanks

[@MyRp123]

Thank you!

[@kevingansmann2741]

Lol thanks sould be perfect for the old pickup thanks for the advice

[@browntacks708]

Good stuff & Pretty detailed 👌

[@caddyworks3307]

This video was excellent. Excellent! The guy was thorough polite extremely informative did you catch the little tips that you needed to understand. Piece of cake. Put it better than anybody else could have. This dude gives a s*** and that's a good thing. Helped me immensely where all the other videos about this, just don't do it!

[@caddyworks3307]

All I needed was to understand the wiring hook up.. power and coil. Thank you for simplicity and common sense.

[@91Cruzin]

That's a cool remote setup you have there, good idea.

[@zcam1969]

love the back ground music

[@_ShaDynasty]

i really enjoy the bedtime music in the backround.

[@garyserville9572]

If you are on tdc #1 your rotor should be pointing at number one on the cap. #1 can be any post on cap, it is wherever you point it when you drop as long as it is on tdc #1.

[@seanbruton319]

Hey man I'm rebuilding a 1976 gmc sierra classic 25, and it will only start if I run the 12v distributor wire directly to the battery. I have no power to the cab except lights and brake lights. Any ideas on what it could be? I also have to start it directly from the battery.

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hey Chris. I just found your channel. It looks like what I am looking for. So I subscribed. I am installing a 1968 Chevy 307 small block into a 1954 Dodge Fargo. I really don't know how to do this so I am looking for help on the internet. Of course the way the engine compartment was wired in 54 is totally different that what I need to get my Chevy motor running. I sure could use your help wiring up the new from what I had in the truck.

[@chriscraft77022]

i have a 64-72 charging system wire up video. it shows the basics...i have an automotive grounds video you might want to watch.. keep the ignition switch the same.. get that part done and the rest just ask me as you go.. watch my gm 3 wire alternator video.. make sure you get an internally regulated (79 chevy truck or car ) alternator.. i have wired up many engines like you are doing so ask me anything..

[@AndysDogHouse]

@@chriscraft77022 Thanks Chris. I will be checking your videos out. I need all the help that I can get.

[@AndysDogHouse]

@@chriscraft77022 Thanks Chris. I will check your videos out. I will let you know how I am doing, or you could drop by my channel to see your self. Thanks again.

[@frankglez2507]

really good explained. have you any video wiring all start system? i covert tbi to carb my car..tnx. nice video

[@chriscraft77022]

yeah 64-72 charging system .. and I have the 3 wire alternator hook up video ... ask whatever you need

[@frankglez2507]

my car is a GMC jimmy 1990, i put inside a 5.7 tbi chev, convert to carb, 650 holley.you know has many wiries, can you help about that....

[@chriscraft77022]

the 1990 jimmy already has all the wires you need... i dont really understand the problem

[@frankglez2507]

are not a problem. jst know if you can give a complet diagram to wiring al start system...

[@bonezcuztomz7703]

Great video I changed the distributor n still no spark

[@timvittetoe6562]

When findiing number one cylinder tdc on a sbc often times im by my self so ive taken me a 6 foot puece of hose that fits the spark plug hole well ans i put the other end in my mouth...this allows me to turn the engine by hand without looking at the cylinder.....also i only turn the engine til i get a good amount of pressure and stop. You know yur on no 1 compression stroke because your cheeks inflated. But you still gotta find the apex of its stroke and quickest way is keep turning engine until the slot on the harmonic balancer lines up with the 10k BTDC mark on yur block then yur done

[@Radiator1991]

great video!

[@INTERNA9]

LOVE it!

[@eloyarellano2299]

good job