Upgrade Points Ignition to HEI

[Senorx470]

I did a search and I found partial answers to my questions. I will be upgrading my points ignition to HEI on my 71 K5 with a 350. I'm looking at the MSD Ready to Run distributor with Blaster 2 coil. Also looking at the MSD 6a box. I understand you don't need the 6a to use the Ready to Run. What are the pros of using both together if any? Cons? I also understand the HEI has clearance issues on our First Gens.? Anybody use the Ready to Run and have clearance issues? I'm also reading that MSD is junk as of late. Anybody seen any issues with MSD? If you recommend another brand like Mallory, what am I looking for in Mallory?

I'll also upgrade spark plug wires and plugs. Any wires/plugs you all recommend? Anything to stay away from? I'm learning as I go along here. I apolpgize if these are redundant newbie questions.

On another note, I will be upgrading the fuel pump as well. What should I be looking for? I'm trying to get a bunch of part numbers and start ordering parts as funds permit.

 

[76zimmer]

I put a ready to run tach drive (small diameter cap) in my Vette in 2012,

have no complaints with it.

Also a Streetfire box on K5...both have worked great without issue.

Pros, are a more complete ignition of the mixture, Multi spark per firing cycle, mostly at lower rpm. Cons...a little more wiring.

 

[bp71k5]

There's no clearance issues with a big cap HEI on a first gen unless you have moved the engine backward. I ran one fine in mine.

 

[Senorx470]

Still learning here, but what is the purpose of moving your engine back?

 

[ashman]

as far as I know the only advantage is slightly better weight distribution or if for some reason you needed some room up by the radiator. Other than that, I dunno.

 

[ryoken]

MSD always make a nice dizzy, the billet are tough to beat... but I'm not running their coils anymore.. had one sh*t the bed early.. DUI makes a good dizzy too.. not a huge Mallory fan myself...

you can just buy a conversion kit from Pertronix to get it electronic on the cheap too...

I'd spend money elsewhere before I bought a cd box.. that's one of those add it later parts imo...

wires, I like Taylor and MSD's...

plugs... AC Delco all the way...

Walbro makes a nice intank pump... oh, wait, old, mechanical.. ummmm, whatever Napa sells ya... holley if your feeling schmedley fancy pants about it all...

 

[bp71k5]

Still learning here, but what is the purpose of moving your engine back?

I just meant that unless you moved the engine around (for whatever reason), it would fit fine.