Vortec vs HEI Distrubtor

[LTb1ow]

I am in the dark on this subject so bear with me here.

Can I buy a HEI shaft and swap it into a vortec distributor? Obviously would swap the reluctor over to the new shaft.

[NJSPEEDER]

If it has a distributor you can swap one from a different small block. The manifold height and gear pattern never changed so it is a straight interchange.

-Tim

[LTb1ow]

From my quick searchs, GM has used three different shaft diameters...

Small HEI is .428
Full size HEI is .490
BBC HEI is .500

I think?

Edit: Goal is to stick something like this http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-asy14550/overview/ in a vortec housing.

Edit #2: Measure vortec shaft, .428 it is.

[LTb1ow]

No one knows small body HEI distributors here?

Figured them and carbs were easy topics :lol:

[WildBillyT]

No one knows small body HEI distributors here?

Figured them and carbs were easy topics :lol:

I don't really have much to offer about this other than to call MSD and see what they can do for you.

[LTb1ow]

I don't really have much to offer about this other than to call MSD and see what they can do for you.

Called em and they said they had nothing for me.

Edit: So now, do I buy another assembly (~$125) and hope its fine, or, buy a expensive MSD vortec distributor. OR, buy a cheaper accel unit and cannibalize the shaft out of it.

Decisions.

[Featherburner]

Dry sump!

[NJSPEEDER]

If all you really need out of it is the shaft why not just hit a junk yard what you need? Dizzy's are like $5 if you leave the cap and rotor behind.

-Tim

[LTb1ow]

I would, if there was a junkyard local to me, or in existence :lol:

[sweetbmxrider]

ebay

[LTb1ow]

It is more to get an upgraded shaft out of a MSD/Accel vs stock OE replacement. Assuming there is even a difference in drive shaft.

[BonzoHansen]

i would not assume anything Accel makes is better than OE.

I might have an old HEI lying around, I'll look over the weekend.

[redsoxsstink]

i have the old large cap HEI distributor out of my camaro that you can have im in 08850 about 35min from point

[LTb1ow]

If you can, measure the drive shaft for me, I think the large cap guys are .500 which doesn't work with the vortec stuff.

[BonzoHansen]

that is all i'd have, coil in cap stuff.

[The_Bishop]

i would not assume anything Accel makes is better than OE.

This, X1000.

Distributor has a custom reluctor? Or can you use a MSD small distributor? I'm 90% sure I have a small MSD distributor in my old parts bin.

[LTb1ow]

This, X1000.

Distributor has a custom reluctor? Or can you use a MSD small distributor? I'm 90% sure I have a small MSD distributor in my old parts bin.

Its a vortec 1x signal, three wire input. Its an OE part so nothing fancy.

Let me know what you find if you can look.

[WildBillyT]

From my quick searchs, GM has used three different shaft diameters...

Small HEI is .428
Full size HEI is .490
BBC HEI is .500

I think?

Edit: Goal is to stick something like this http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-asy14550/overview/ in a vortec housing.

Edit #2: Measure vortec shaft, .428 it is.

Any way you can upgrade to a larger shaft for additional strength? Or just trying to avoid buying a new diz?

[LTb1ow]

Any way you can upgrade to a larger shaft for additional strength? Or just trying to avoid buying a new diz?

I could, but I am sure it would require a few mods to the vortec billet piece to install new, larger bushings etc.

Its not that I can't spring for a new one, its that even a new one will have the same small shaft it would seem.

[LTb1ow]

So, anyone have a small or large cap distributor laying around they wanna sell for cheap?

[Dudbird113]

Blaceys in wrightstown, maybe a 1/2 hour- 40 mins drive tops from your house. Shoot down 95 to sixflags exit, then take monmouth road down for a bit and its on your left