455 HEI Dist exchange or conversion

[andrew blaylock]

I would like to get rid of my points style dist in my 455 in exchange for a H.E.I style dist, will any other GM one fit like an olds,pontiac, or does it have to be buick, and what years will fit a 1970 455, will a 350 one work or does it have to be a 455 please let me know, thanks alot for all the knowledge

[theoldguy]

The 455 HEI is a direct interchange for your points distributor. A350 Buick can also be used but you will need to change the gear from a 14 tooth to the 13 tooth used in the 455. Done forget that the HEI also needs a full 12 volts , so you need to rewire for this.

The Buick distributor is the only one that will work.

[Dr. Frankenbuick]

http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/

[rcull]

Here's what I did. Unless you have a lath or a friend who has one and likes to play with it, it may be more than you want to tackle.

http://www.teambuick.com/forums/view...ibutor_buildup

Just so you know, an HEI from a 350 buick is the "almost" the same. It has a drive gear with one less tooth (can be changed). Unless you take the distributor out of the engine, just count the teeth on the drive gear to make sure they have the same number.

[hotrodrivi]

If your on a budget this also works.visit your local boneyard.Big blocks are hard to find,especially with a nice hei waiting for you.V6 buicks are plentiful though.Find one with vac advance dist.Gut it.Save shaft,vac adv,and the housing.Find any gm vac adv v8 hei.Grab the reluctor,or 8point star wheele.The pick up,moduale,wiring,condensor.Reasamble onto the v6 housing you just gutted.Should only cost about 15 to 20$.Take your origonal points gear and drill the rollpin hole to fit the shaft.Drops right in.I have one on my 455 using the above described method.

[Flynbuick]

If you want to modify your present unit and not have to change your wiring, get the kit from www.lectriclimited,com. The 75-76 GM HEI factory distribs have a big ugly head and they will not allow a the 69-72 ram air unit to fit. If you use a conversion like above you get to keep current current cap.

[djquik1]

Or get a Petronix kit such as this

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor2/default.aspx

I have installed these in other vehicles and found it to work great.