Looking for info on putting a Chev HEI into a VW eng

[DJSandberg]

The setup was tricky to get the hole in exactly the center of the shaft. I used a V-block and took my time. I began with a stater bit, then cut the hole with a Number 23 drill.

[DJSandberg]

This is what it looks like when it's done. It fits like a glove and it was much easier than I thought it would be.

Tomorrow I'll install the distributor and the fuel pump hole cover and see if it works.

[bugguy076]

Nice job. Another reason to run a Chevy HEI system is the replacement parts are cheap and all parts houses have them.
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Grubby Fingers Racing
1976 Drag Bug
1967 Street Bug

[clonebug]

I don't see a vacuum advance diaphragm.....
Is it mechanical advance only???
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[Dale M.]

[clonebug]

[DJSandberg]

The vacuum advance that came with the distributor has 24 degrees of advance available if the code is correct (624 20). That sounds like a lot.

There are a couple of options for limiting the advance. One is a simple spring clip that fits into the slot where the rod goes. Another is a stepped cam that limits the advance in two degre increments. This is probably the one I'll go with.

[jaxdream]

DJ I have the same exact HEI dizzy body that I am in the process of moding to a 4cyl HEI for a type 4 .I see on the housing that there is a good amount of metal to do the machining. I rigged up a home made Distributor tester from an old Sun Distributor machine just to verify function. The 75-76 Vegas and some other GM 4cyl used the HEI that used an outside coil cap which I plan on doing, the brass terminal caps and rotors can be had off the net , BlueStreak IIRC is the name of them just to give you an FYI. Keep it going and post some more with pics if possible. Yeah anyone can get the latest in engine management computers and such as to do away with Distributor systems , with fuel injection and such - just spend the $$$$ This is old school for sure , but the GM HEI has proven to be very reliable with the latest parts available for them unlike the earlier engineered parts limiting rpm . Keep it going dude !!!

Jack

[DJSandberg]

Here are the two distributors for comparison. Just in case you couldn't tell, the HEI is on the left and the 009 is on the right.

I found out last night that the square portion that is cast into the GM distributor interferes with the hold down clamp. So I machined it off and made it round.

My goal is to install it today and get the engine running. I don't have a fuel pump, but I figured that I could just shoot some gas into the carburetor and get it going.

The engine has good compression, I changed the oil yesterday and nothing fell out. I bought this engine for $200 a couple of months ago. It was sitting in a blackberry bush with a tarp over it. The seller said that he thought something was wrong with it, but didn't know (or didn't want to say) what.

[DJSandberg]

It works!!

I put the distributor in yesterday. It's really tight. I had to grind about 1 mm of metal off a spot on the intake manifold to clear the distributor cap.

The linkage on the carb and the fuel cut solenoid are right up against the distributor cap. This will change when I put the Weber 32/36 on a Scat manifold. The Weber sits about 50 mm higher.

But once I got everything hooked up and poured some gas into the carb, it fired right up. I was surprised because the engine has been sitting outside for two years.

I set the timing, tightened everything down and now all I need is a fuel pump, fuel tank, body, interior, steering wheel, wiring harness, windshield, lights, roll bars, and a couple of switches.

[jaxdream]

That looks great , a 1/2" spacer under the carb would help the closeness problem. Been reading up on hot rodding the HEI , seems that some folks use plastic screws to hold the rotor button on to eliminate spark transfer , don't know if it works , but might not hurt, just a FYI. Great work there DJ, look forward to more . I was wondering if it would fit and it is evident that you have no real issues with it - running is a testiment to the little engines. Upward and onward now !!!

Jack

[DJSandberg]

Jack,

The 1/2" spacer and the plastic screws are both good ideas. I think I've got some plastic screws, now all I need to do if find them.

I think it's a neat installation. It looks right at home. I hated losing the fuel pump because a new one is $60. But with everything on the distributor and the fuel pump I'll be out less than $200 and I think it makes the dune buggy just a little different than the rest.

DJ

[bugguy076]

Since you are using it on a buggy, here is another old trick. Use some die-electric grease on the plug wire terminals and on the bottom lip of the cap. It will help keep out water and dust.
_________________
Grubby Fingers Racing
1976 Drag Bug
1967 Street Bug

[jvulich]

My engine with one of the last Precision Products made HEI distributors made by Bruce in 2000.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/80486.jpg

[ps2375]

Here's how mine sits today. Still need to sync the carbs, but runs well.

[muzza]

I'm a big believer in the KISS principal. I just built a HE electronic ignition for my 1600 importantly keeping the original points and distributor. Easy to build and the points will now never pit or burn and will probably last forever. I just need to check the gap occasionally. And if anything goes wrong with the electronic ignition I can switch back easyly to the original setup to get me home. If you can read a circuit diagram and can solder your good to go.

[ps2375]

[ekacpuc]

Cool thread!

Btw mofoco sells DUI dist for bugs. They'll change the advance curve to suit your motor too.

I'm a fan of the DUI/HEI. Easy to work with and replacement parts are easy to find.