Stock-Looking HEI

[curtis0916]

I'm restoring a 1968 SS 396 to be mostly stock, but would like the advantages of HEI.  I have heard there are stock-looking HEI units available (mainly smaller cap), but have not been able to find one, and when I have asked suppliers they have no idea what I'm talking about.

Where could I get one of these stock-looking/small cap HEI's?

Thank you for any assistance you can provide!!

[Kelley W King]

Not sure about the stock looking HEI. I use the electronic conversion that fits under the stock cap with a HO coil. The coils are usually chrome or ?? but I just paint them black. Works pretty good.

[curtis0916]

Thanks Kelley, the electronic conversion kit sounds like it might be a very good option.  What brand did you use?

[bertfam]

I'm running the LECTRICLIMITED BREAKERLESS-SE™ system and love it. It's a single wire install so it appears "factory", and uses the stock coil and wiring, so it's plug-n-play.

Ed

[Stingr69]

https://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/
I actually have used a "Stinger" magnetic trigger conversion for a bit and now use the GM points (acting as a trigger switch only) with a Crane Multispark CD setup and stock coil.  The points electrical contact surfaces do not wear out because they only carry a small switch current this way.  I get an adjustable rev limiter with the Crane box so that is a plus. Box is mounted inside car under the center speaker grille.  Can set RPM limit to 2500 for "Valet Mode".  Pretty handy.

[Kelley W King]

I used Petronics but the single wire Ed used would be easier to hide since mine is two wire. Either of them will probably do fine since they eliminate the resistor or resistor wire that points require. You might want to make sure whatever you use will work with your tach.

[Mike S]

 I thought the Electric Limited single wire unit stated the resistor wire can remain.

Mike

[bertfam]

I thought the Electric Limited single wire unit stated the resistor wire can remain.

Yes. Everything remains completely stock.

Ed

[69Z28-RS]

'small top' HEI distributors..

https://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-hei-distributor-billet-aluminum-small-body-for-small-block-or-big-block-1955-1957.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o4&scid=scplp57-288228-1&sc_intid=57-288228-1&gclid=CjwKCAjwu5veBRBBEiwAFTqDwe8fbcOepKukDAM7QbsXB69_XqgbPHRSgtV6TyEc2vaIU5XFl2pEGRoC9bwQAvD_BwE

https://jet.com/product/CHEVY-RED-Small-Cap-HEI-Distributor-SMALL-BIG-BLOCK-Ready-To-Run-W50K-Volt-Coil/8a28d1b15520472baa9aa3b8647afc78?jcmp=pla:ggl:nj_roc_gen_automotive_parts_accessories_a1:automotive_parts_accessories_automotive_performance_parts_performance_ignition_a1:na:PLA_1061510150_51325355279_pla-331660120544_c:na:na:na:2PLA15&pid=kenshoo_int&c=1061510150&is_retargeting=true&clickid=2b5c9233-6182-4b36-9ccc-29db448eeecf&kclid=2b5c9233-6182-4b36-9ccc-29db448eeecf&gclid=CjwKCAjwu5veBRBBEiwAFTqDwVGdL9YoHO43dq9orUkYbDv4sSeT_6HpI-zLlKqZDZqnMRpdbgA1qhoCNpYQAvD_BwE

NOT HEI but small and high voltage.. (PERTRONIX)
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-d104600?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-pertronix&gclid=CjwKCAjwu5veBRBBEiwAFTqDwTYWUGtYLjAYUeetRhclCQhZD5cbKCi86uPhcIekpC1GQA4F5lOx8xoCsdUQAvD_BwE