HEI Distributor

One of my concerns is the size... here are some before and after pics of the installation on an engine (obviously not a goose)

side by side

after

after 2

It's probably fine and seems well priced. My guess is it's similar to the Performance Distributors marine unit I installed on my boat with 351W HO engine, that uses a GM-based coil. After some drama I concluded that the GM coil, needing 10.7V to fire, MUST be fed straight from the battery (NOT through the switch/starter circuit, that with starter turning when trying to first fire the coil, is marginal on getting 10.7V--and that's with a gear-reduction starter). They basically tell you that, but I wasn't "listening" when I first wired it. YMMV. I can't comment on clearance issues on a Goose, I've only had Panteras. Not an issue on my boat. Might be a concern on a Pantera due to the rear glass, but I'm running a big distributor on mine now (or at least my former one), close but not a problem, but probably not as tall as the one you're considering.

Clearance is my biggest concern beyond "will it work"... The factory air cleaner is huge... and it appears to be hitting this smaller air cleaner he's got in these pics.

I know there are a few geese sporting HEI's, hopefully some will chime in...

I can about guarantee you would need to change to a reduced-diameter air filter (or hammerhead, etc.). Just do also check the coil specs, as you may also need to wire in a starter button on a separate circuit. But the 302 (if that's what you have, or 289) vs. 351 dimension difference may help mitigate on both points. As you say, hopefully some other HEI Goose owners will comment.

Mike,

Try to not reinvent the wheel here....!

The DuraSpark II system, albeit with a few extra parts to be mounted elsewhere, fits along with the stock air cleaner, looks basically stock, and it works.

Or simply put in a Pertronix....also works.

Your car is not a race car, never will be. IMHO, the HEI offers nothing but problems making it fit.

DO NOT cut the stock air cleaner what ever you choose to do.......

Your car is a rolling piece of art! It can roll reliably without defacing it.

Ciao!
Steve

I would NEVER cut the factory air cleaner.

I put an electronic ignition on my '66 230SL and was amazed at how much smoother idle was.

IF I move forward on this I'll definitely try my best to keep it stock looking. I have no intention of racing it, just trying to get it running as smoothly as possible with sympathetic upgrades.

I'll look into the DuraSpark II.

Thanks for the input.