Should You Upgrade from Points Ignition to HEI? Pros, Cons and Performance Differences

Advantages of HEI Ignition Systems

• Stronger, more reliable spark
• Minimal maintenance
• Improved reliability
• Simple installation when converting from a points system
• Better high-RPM performance
• Easier engine starting thanks to the higher voltage, especially in colder environments

When Points Ignition May Still Be Used

Overall, when compared to their HEI counterpart, there are minimal advantages to retaining a points style distributor, especially when overall performance and reliability are concerned.

However, they certainly still have their place. For instance:

• Concours restoration
• Period correctness
• Easier to troubleshoot any issues due to their mechanical design

Common Problems with Points Ignition Systems

The most common issues with contact-point distributors are the contacts themselves. Over time the contacts will wear down and cause weak spark. This can result in hard starting or misfires as well as a rough idle. Additionally, over time the contacts can be contaminated by carbon and other contaminants which will reduce the spark quality.

If the contact gap is incorrect the ignition coil will be limited in the amount of energy it can generate between cycles therefore resulting in a weak spark which causes poor performance. Additionally, and more crucially, the incorrect gap will directly affect the timing which can lead to pinging (pre-ignition) or overheating.

Ensuring that the contacts are clean and gapped correctly are especially important higher in the rev-range as the aforementioned issues become more pronounced and potentially damaging to the engine.

When Upgrading to an HEI Distributor Makes Sense

If performance or reliability is a consideration, which it should be; then upgrading to a HEI distributor should be high on the priority list.

Not only do you get the benefit of minimal maintenance, but also a more intense powerful spark; it’s a win-win scenario. With a higher voltage spark, you are able to run a larger spark plug gap which results in a more complete fuel burn.

Simplicity is also at the core of a HEI distributor conversion, thanks to the all-in-one design. Only one 12-volt positive switched ignition source is required to get up and running. If required most units also have the provision for a tachometer signal output.

In simple terms:

• Best for performance - HEI
• Best for originality or restoration - Points
• Best for low maintenance - HEI

Parts often Required When Upgrading Ignition Systems

The first obvious component when upgrading your ignition system is the distributor itself. We have a wide range of HEI and electronic distributors available for various V8 and 6-cylinder applications.

Browse HEI and electronic distributors for V8 and 6-cylinder engines

Depending on which style of distributor you select will determine whether or not a separate ignition coil will be required. Non-HEI style electronic and points style distributors both will require a suitable coil, whereas a HEI distributor already has one built-in.

Browse ignition coils for points and non-HEI distributor setups

HEI distributors will typically have male terminals on the cap while points distributors will normally have female terminals. As the terminal types are not interchangeable you will need to install new ignition leads (also referred to as ignition wires). Leads are available in a range of colours and with different shaped spark plug boots to provide clearance around certain exhaust header/manifold shapes.

Browse ignition leads and wires for your distributor upgrade

With regards to wiring, as HEI installation is so simple only requiring 1 wire to power the unit, a simple female spade connector attached to a 12AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire, which is equivalent to a 4mm² metric wire, is all that is required.

However, a more secure and professional finish can be achieved by using a pigtail harness which also includes a wire for the tacho signal (which is optional and not required in order to make the distributor function).

View the HEI distributor pigtail harness with tacho signal wire

So Which One Should I Choose?

We’ll break this down into 4 categories so we can easily distinguish what is the best fit for your application:

• Daily driver
• Weekend cruiser
• Performance build
• Restoration project

Due to points ignition requiring periodic up-keep and relying on mechanical components that wear overtime, having a reliable distributor for regular vehicle use is paramount.

Where this really matters is with a daily driver; there’s nothing worse than getting stuck in the morning or evening traffic rush and breaking down because of a small set of mechanical contacts. HEI is a clear solution for a reliable daily.

When it comes to a weekend cruiser, this can be quite subjective. If you just want to jump in your Kingswood or Falcon and head down to the local cars and coffee, it doesn’t particularly warrant upgrading to HEI, however if you happen to suffer from cold start issues; maybe you live in a colder climate area, then HEI makes more sense as the increased spark energy has more potential to ignite the mixture on a crisp cold morning.

Performance is were this is a straight forward answer. There is no point spending money on an upgraded fuel system, better flowing manifold etc. and to then let down the whole system by sticking with a weak spark ignition system.

A HEI distributor will enable your engine to more efficiently combust all of the extra air and fuel you are introducing to the cylinders.

Lastly for those restoring a classic vehicle, the discussion leans more to the points ignition side of the argument if originality is a key factor for your build. But again, if having a more reliable motoring experience outweighs a little bit of originality then a HEI upgrade is a fairly inexpensive option that gives you piece of mind not having to maintain points.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. Is my electronic distributor with a separate ignition coil, the same as a HEI distributor?
• A. Yes and No. Both distributors are classed as an electronic distributor however a HEI style distributor is specifically referring to the GM based design with the ignition coil in the cap. Regular electronic distributors that require a separate coil are generally referred to a “ready-to-run” style distributor.

• Q. Is a HEI ignition better than points ignition?
• A. There are very few downsides to a HEI ignition system. The only real downside for some would be the larger overall shape of the cap which may cause interference with the firewall, air cleaners, certain intake manifolds or multi-carburettor setups. The fact that there no mechanical contacts to wear out or adjust means HEI ignition is a minimal maintenance upgrade option.

• Q. If the HEI distributor is a General Motors design, are these distributors only available for GM engines?
• A. No. The automotive aftermarket has adopted and adapted the HEI design, with brands such as Calflow offering distributors for Ford, Chrysler and Holden V8 engines; also not forgetting engines such as the Chevy and Ford (USA) inline 6-cylinders.

• Q. Does HEI improve engine performance?
• A. Yes, but don’t expect massive gains in power. For example, Hot Rod Magazine performed a back-to-back test with a 350ci Small Block Chevy engine which produced 444.8 horsepower when fitted with a standard points distributor. When converted to a modern performance style HEI distributor that figure increased to 452.8 horsepower; an increase of around 8hp. However, for regular driving you would not particularly feel the power difference; you would more so notice the smoothness that the HEI unit provides due to its more efficient operation.

• Q. Can I convert points ignition to HEI?
• A. Yes, but you will not be able to retain and convert your existing points distributor. Instead, you will need to remove both the distributor and ignition coil and replace with a HEI distributor.

• Q. Do HEI distributors require special spark plug leads?
• A. HEI distributors are typically fitted with male terminal caps which require a female plug on the ignition lead. This differs from points distributors that usually run a female terminal and a male plug. Ignition lead kits, such as those available from Calflow, offer both female and male caps in the kit allowing you to terminate the lead to suit your distributor cap.

• Q. Are HEI distributors reliable for classic V8 engines?
• A. Yes. Due to their non-mechanical design there are no contacts to wear out or adjust. Additionally, because the output voltage is much higher, you are able to achieve more efficient combustion.