Is this a HEI distributor???

This distributor came with my SBC 350 motor. To be honest it's the first time I've seen one of these. I definitely want to use it once the motor is rebuilt.

Does it use some external triggering module as there are three wires coming from it with a small white connector? Any info will be appreciated.

 

That looks like one of those Mallory optical trigger distributors or similar by some other manufacturer.

 

yup, mid 60s-mid 70s point distributor converted to electronic pickup with an unknown kit.

 

For some reason I thought there was an HEI with external coil as well as the one with the internal coil. I only know what the one with internal coil looks like.

The block actually dates from 1971 and has a pair of 441 heads on. A few years ago such kits were available locally. One name that comes to mind is Lumenition (I think). I'll take the distributor to our club meeting on Tuesday evening to hear if anyone know where I can get the module for it. I'd prefer that over points due to less maintenance.

Thanks for the response guys!

 

indeed there is an HEI with an external coil, used on the newer small blocks. Some are made of plastic even.

They don't have any advance mechanisms in them though, so you need to use a special "box" with the advance curve built into it...or an engine computer like they have in all those later model cars.

 

It looks like an Early Unilite conversion
In any case it is a conversion and it probably does have a light
Connector probably about 5/16" x 3/4" Red Black Green wires
You could get a newer conversion from a couple MFGs
Can still get Unilite conversion for stock chevy dist and Accel now makes one
They work well
Ray

 

There is also an OLD "HEI" dizzy GM made called a Mag Impulse distributor - the predecessor to the more modern HEI. It was used on Corvettes and some other HIPO applications - they weren't worth a shit as the electronics were garbage, but the dizzys are great and are the same as the points dizzy in appearance.

 

those weren't known as HEI, instead they were called "Transistor Ignition" since they had a transistor equipped amplifier.

the distributors seem to go for some $$$ these days, I sold one on epay, needing work, for four bills.

 

That's why I put HEI in quotation marks. To those unfamiliar with them they are very "HEI LIKE" in terms of their internals - specifically the "guts" - (a technical term )

They are awesome distributors. Can be used in a home brew "HEI like" ignition, or fire an MSD or whatever system you prefer. Best part is that they LOOK like a regular old points dizzy and use the points cap and rotor.

 

Its a aftermarket kit that requires a module to match the hall trigger system.