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Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: October 17, 2011, 10:21 am
by bobenhotep
I built my ignition system like the rest of the stuff on this truck. The idea behind the ignition system was to build something simple that worked, and was easy to get parts for.

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Parts used in this system
-msd blaster 2 coil
-computer heat sink (mine is from an old compaq computer)
-GM HEI module of the 4 pin variety (I ask for one off of a 78 chevy van if they ask)
-DS II distributor
-ring and spade terminals
-12 and 14 gauge wire
-screws

I am going to take more pictures and have a wiring diagram for those of you that might like to do this.

This is how I mounted the HEI module. The module is mounted to a computer heatsink out of a compaq that I bought in 2003.

The heatsink is screwed to the fender, fins down. The module is screwed to it, and a liberal coating of good heat sink grease, which I bought at Radio Shack, is applied between them, to transfer heat away from the module.

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This is how I wired it.
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Posted: October 17, 2011, 3:59 pm
by mrgoob
Thanks-I would be interested in that.

Posted: October 17, 2011, 4:37 pm
by 62galxe
heres a good diagram borrowed from the y forum.
http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/T ... hei+module

Posted: October 17, 2011, 5:30 pm
by bobenhotep
This is how I mounted the HEI module. The module is mounted to a computer heatsink out of a compaq that I bought in 2003.

The heatsink is screwed to the fender, fins down. The module is screwed to it, and a liberal coating of good heat sink grease, which I bought at Radio Shack, is applied between them, to transfer heat away from the module.

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Posted: October 17, 2011, 10:14 pm
by bobenhotep
This is how I wired it.
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Posted: November 16, 2011, 3:29 pm
by The Big M
My wife has an '02 Sonoma that uses the same ignition module, but it's mounted on a factory heatsink. I'm not sure when GM started using them, but it could be something to look for in a junkyard.

The computer heatsink is a nice cheap solution though! It should offer plenty of cooling. However, if you do find that the module is getting warm you could improve the efficency of it the heatsink by positioning it such that hot air can rise upwards freely, away from the fins. However, even without the full benefit of the fins, you still have significantly more surface area at work than the factory heatsink. Nice job! :)

Posted: November 16, 2011, 10:22 pm
by bobenhotep
I thought about mounting it like that, but airflow under the hood goes through it, and I can touch it after driving and it is barely warm. I thought being able to quick swap it was more valuable than being able to remove more heat. any more cooling would be overkill.

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: February 17, 2012, 10:08 pm
by pikupmn
i just used a electronic ignition, distributor, an brain box out of a 80 sumthin bronco got them at the junkyard for $30 and i get to stay all FORD...............not saying anything is wrong with the way you did yours

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: February 17, 2012, 10:52 pm
by bobenhotep
I thought about doing that, but I had most of the parts already. The 4 pin hei will work on just about anything. I have seen them on old imports that you cannot get modules for anymore, as well as on a ford.

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: March 21, 2012, 9:25 pm
by sully5
I did this conversion and it works like a dream.

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: March 17, 2013, 10:21 am
by bobenhotep
And I still have this setup, no problems.

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: December 27, 2013, 4:50 pm
by bobenhotep
This is the setup minus the tachometer

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Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: January 10, 2014, 5:23 pm
by Truckrat
Hey Dan, I like your HEI setup. Was wondering about what year of DSII dizzy I should use for my 300 six. It is an 81 engine, but I figured about anything would work. Any suggestions on what vehicles I should look for when I go after one. No junk computers here, so looks like a trip to Radio Shack for me for a heatsink. Did you put
the grease between the module and the heatsink? Wasn't clear on that one. This looks like a great way to get a cheap, reliable ignition. Shoot me a PM if you would. Thanks. TR

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: January 10, 2014, 10:15 pm
by bobenhotep
My distributor is the original one for a 1980 model, because my engine is out of a 1980 model also. I would just use any duraspark with the single vac advance canister.

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: March 19, 2014, 11:35 pm
by bobenhotep
Also, do not use the ignition circuit "as is" to power the module. There is a pink wire under the dash, and it is a resistor wire. It will cause the module to do odd things. Replace the pink wire with a regular wire so that the module/ coil get full 12v. I will rewrite the stuff up top to reflect this to avoid nonsense in the future.

Dan

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: August 24, 2014, 11:07 am
by NUMA NEWBERN
http://performancedistributors.com/ makes a HEI for the Ford straight six, I've seen them on another site but you will play hades to find it on there site, may have to email them directly about such

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: August 24, 2014, 11:17 am
by NUMA NEWBERN
I have a 1965 with it appears to be a original 6 cylinder, I was comtemplating a electronic conversion module etc. BUT I love the GM module, will these Duraspark distributors fit the 65 engine?
ALSO
A suggestion INSTEAD of the heat sink, the object is disaparing heat right? Then why NOT bolting the module to ANYTHING flat? Instead use studs or in other words LIFT the module by the mounting bolts UP say a inch or so where air can circulate UNDER the actual module base?

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: August 24, 2014, 11:38 am
by NUMA NEWBERN

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: August 24, 2014, 11:47 am
by NUMA NEWBERN

Re: Duraspark/HEI ignition

Posted: August 24, 2014, 12:00 pm
by NUMA NEWBERN