So ive been doing a bunch of research on HEI conversions for my 90 4.2l People all have opinions on MSD, DUI, putting a Chevy distributor in from a 250. I found a company called CRT Performance that makes the HEI distriutor and wires for 150. Not bad. Im looking for some facts. Which is better? Reliability? Everything helps!
the HEI from CRT is very popular. I've had mine for 5 years with great results. be sure to get wires too, the 8mm wires are needed with the hotter spark. if money isn't important MSD is probably the best setup but a complete system will cost around 700.00
stay away from the cheap HEI's they are junk.
Alot of people were saying they had problems with the MSD ignition module ot something...haven't really looked into it. Did the CRT distributor mess up your camshaft?
I just received my CRT yesterday, and it looks like the camshaft gear is made of carbon fiber, so it can't chew up the camshaft gear. Gonna install it tomorrow. Already have the Howell TBI set up, so this should make it even mo' betta!
I was concerned about the camshaft getting eaten up but if its made of carbon fiber it shouldent! Let me know how you like it after install? I'm gunna order mine this weekend. Thanks!
I put my CRT in last saturday, CRT dizzys won't eat up the cam, they build them all in house.
Their gear is made of METAL not carbon fiber. However it is softer than the cam. Also, the distributor body is made of billet aluminum and its a very quality piece.
I love mine so far. Make sure you get their plug wires, or else you'll be making your own.
The cam gear is the concern. I have heard they have shipped different materials in the past but they no longer do that. The one my dad bought about a year ago was fine. So thumbs up to CRT from him.
I have also heard they are very slow at customer service but get everything fixed.
CRT has good shit,
I would be leary of buying a GM dizzy from any other company for the 4.2 . Even from reputable places like 4wheelparts. They sell the gm dizzy too, but with a hardened drive gear. Guess what? People have written about them and their crap online and it spreads.
So far, no complaints from me on their customer service. They called me personally when I placed my first order and they were out of stock on the parts to make them.
I had mine done out in 112* heat, no shade, made my own plug wires, and changed all 6 plugs, and re-timed in under 2 hours..
For #1 plug, get a plug socket, 6" extension, and a swivel/u-joint. Go Socket, swivel, 6" extension, ratchet. Easy as pie.
When I put the plugs back in, I pull the extension and swivel off, then reach into the 3/8" inlet on the socket with a set of needle nose's and pull it off.
I use a set of 10" long 45* needle nose to put the plug wires on all the way. Make sure you hear them click.
I had mine done out in 112* heat, no shade, made my own plug wires, and changed all 6 plugs, and re-timed in under 2 hours..
For #1 plug, get a plug socket, 6" extension, and a swivel/u-joint. Go Socket, swivel, 6" extension, ratchet. Easy as pie.
When I put the plugs back in, I pull the extension and swivel off, then reach into the 3/8" inlet on the socket with a set of needle nose's and pull it off.
I use a set of 10" long 45* needle nose to put the plug wires on all the way. Make sure you hear them click.
Dayum! Your work helped me a bunch; the #1 plug ended up being one of the easiest, except for the friggin boot!
Everything else went super smooth, and it fired up immediately! I gotta wait 'til this weekend for help setting the timing at high idle, but at 900-rpm, it's smoother than a kitten's dick!
I didn't use the 45-degree pliers, just beat up my hand, using the socket and fingers. Would have been much easier without A/C and heater!
I bought Autolites at Auto Zone. $12.00 and got a rebate certificate for a $20.00 Gas Card!
Going back in today; will try the extension and swivel trick. Was thinking along those lines. Once I break the plug loose, I can finger it out with a few scratches on the back of my hand. Same thing getting it started.
I refuse to use champion's anymore. I had one come apart one time, and it ruined my engine.
I use copper core auto lites. They have been great. Gaped at .050.
Mine is serpentine too, Thats the trick I use.
The plug should stick in the socket upon removal. Also, put the new plug into the socket, and then start sliding it into the #1 cyl with your right hand, as you reach between the head and a/c compressor with your left and help guide it in.
Just adjust your regular idle screw to idle it up, make sure you hook up a vacuum gauge to a manifold vacuum source, advance the dizzy to where its about 19-20in Hg. (with vacuum advance line off of the dizzy and plugged). You should be pretty close after that.
I like because it is a one simple unit, much higher voltage (really needed in colder weather). A distributor, coil, and ignition module all in one
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