GM HEI Upgrade
This is another modification/upgrade that has been covered in very good detail in other places (slantsix.org has a good write-up). So what I want to showcase here is how I implemented my HEI installation for a clean "stealth" look. I'm considering calling this "Hide-a-HEI". Admittedly, I can't take full credit for this idea, I have seen others do this but I'm trying to do this as cleanly as I possibly can.
The first step in this process was acquiring a MOPAR style electronic ignition control module. I found a 'Chrome box' in a local Pick-n-Pull yard, but really it didn't matter if it was an Orange box, Chrome box, Blue box or Black box. My next step was to completely gut the box.
Because the box was kinda rough, I used a wire wheel to knock as much dirt and rust off as I could. I then sprayed it with Rustoleum brand flat black rust converter. Lastly I used a couple coats of Rustoleum orange to make the box look like a period correct 'Orange box' module. I then re-attached the 4-pin harness plug with modeling super-glue.
*The white residue you can see was caused by the super-glue off-gassing as it cured.
The first step in this process was acquiring a MOPAR style electronic ignition control module. I found a 'Chrome box' in a local Pick-n-Pull yard, but really it didn't matter if it was an Orange box, Chrome box, Blue box or Black box. My next step was to completely gut the box.
Because the box was kinda rough, I used a wire wheel to knock as much dirt and rust off as I could. I then sprayed it with Rustoleum brand flat black rust converter. Lastly I used a couple coats of Rustoleum orange to make the box look like a period correct 'Orange box' module. I then re-attached the 4-pin harness plug with modeling super-glue.
*The white residue you can see was caused by the super-glue off-gassing as it cured.
My next step was to fabricate an aluminum plate to fit inside the box and allow for mounting the HEI module. The aluminum plate will also conduct heat far better than the painted stamped sheet metal. For this, my father found a nice piece of 3mm thick aluminum plate to use.
I cut it to 3in wide and 4in long and the plate nests very nicely inside the box. I also notched away the plate to clear the 4-pin connector as well as clearance for the 1/2in x 1/2in indent in the box.
*I didn't have the aluminum plate securely clamped when I went to make my final cut and the saw ripped the plate from the clamp and caused the jagged cut you see at the top. Frustrating, but the piece is still useful for prototyping.
I cut it to 3in wide and 4in long and the plate nests very nicely inside the box. I also notched away the plate to clear the 4-pin connector as well as clearance for the 1/2in x 1/2in indent in the box.
*I didn't have the aluminum plate securely clamped when I went to make my final cut and the saw ripped the plate from the clamp and caused the jagged cut you see at the top. Frustrating, but the piece is still useful for prototyping.
Lastly, I want to make sure the HEI module stays cool, so I'm experimenting with various aluminum fin heatsinks mounted to the stock 2-fin aluminum heat sink.
