The Super HEI Kit-which is a smog-legal modification, by the way-allows you to retain an already installed HEI distributor. Depending on the type of module you're running (four-, five-, or seven-pin), the HEI module and coil are removed or bypassed in favor of the higher-output CD system. Those of us with a wiring phobia may be a bit intimidated by the install, but MSD's instructions for the Super HEI Kit and the 6AL box (you'll need both) are clear. The first and most important step is to determine what type of module your distributor is running so you can follow the appropriate wiring diagram. From there, it's just a matter of properly attaching the wires.
In our case, we were fortunate to be dealing with the simpler of the two options, a four-pin module MSD distributor. As for the installation itself, it actually took us longer to securely mount the 6AL box and Blaster 2 coil than it did to wire the new setup into place. Once done, we encountered a common hiccup, which we've illustrated in the captions, but once that was dealt with, the Nova fired perfectly; in fact, the most immediate benefit Cervantes noticed is that his car idles more smoothly than before. Low rpm throttle response is improved-thank the multiple sparks for that-but we'll have to wait for another track session before we can report on what the car does at the top end and under influence of laughing gas. Knowing that we've laid a more solid ignition foundation for our other performance mods, we're anxious to see the results.
Quick Notes
What We DidHopped up an MSD HEI ignition system by installing a Super HEI Kit
Bottom LineThe addition of a 6AL box and external Blaster 2 coil provides a hotter, more consistent spark
MSD's Super HEI Kit (PN 8500)...
MSD's Super HEI Kit (PN 8500) comes with everything needed to perform the conversion from factory HEI inductive discharge coil and module setup to a capacitive discharge 6AL box (PN 6420) and external coil. Although there are directions specific to the Super HEI Kit, you'll also need the 6AL instructions, not to mention the bag of wires, screws, and connectors that comes with it.
One of the most readily apparent...
One of the most readily apparent advantages to the HEI setup we're replacing is its compactness. This cap, the coil within it, and the dustcover are typical of most HEI systems.
Although aftermarket HEI modules,...
Although aftermarket HEI modules, such as the performance digital module contained in this MSD distributor, provide far better coil charging and spark energy than a factory unit, they still can't match the performance of a good CD ignition and coil. The first step of this install is to remove this four-pin module from the distributor.