/Looking for recommendations on an HEI distributor for my 1968 Tempest 350 4-bbl. Any tips, concerns, advice is greatly appreciated. Car is hard to start, runs rich, stumbles on acceleration. Still has original distributor and coil. I'm told a HEI distributor is a drop in mod. Can't find a reliable mechanic/technician to diagnose and/or fix it anywhere local with positive reviews.

Have you checked the points? May need a quick cleanup, are they set correctly? What about the cap N rotor? Have the contacts been cleaned? When was the last time any or all was replaced? You could look into Petronix ign. drop in module to do away with points/condenser? Always a good idea to carry a spare coil. Swap out your current coil and if no difference you have your spare. Overall much cheaper option than HEI.

Points are what Mr Turner in auto shop called "scarred" I wasn't very good setting points back in the late 70's and haven't had ANY practice since then. Cap and rotor were not replaced during the last shop visit. The Pentronix module sounds like the way to go. Going to have to roll up my sleeves and DIY it. Any more tips, tricks or suggestions?

Very Happy with the pertronix in my GTO distributor. Pretty straight forward install. Might be time to check your sparkelators and lightning tubes as well.

59 minutes ago, JUSTA6 said:

Very Happy with the pertronix in my GTO distributor. Pretty straight forward install. Might be time to check your sparkelators and lightning tubes as well.

Did you change your name to Derek?

15 hours ago, Argenthrus said:

/Looking for recommendations on an HEI distributor for my 1968 Tempest 350 4-bbl. Any tips, concerns, advice is greatly appreciated. Car is hard to start, runs rich, stumbles on acceleration. Still has original distributor and coil. I'm told a HEI distributor is a drop in mod. Can't find a reliable mechanic/technician to diagnose and/or fix it anywhere local with positive reviews.

The symptoms you are describing...leans more towards a Carburetor issue...Rather than an Ignition problem...Although the Petronics is a worthwhile Upgrade...Especially if your Uncomfortable with replacing/setting the breaker points in the distributor...

Justa my 2 cents...

TLBT

Edited August 24, 2025Aug 24 by TWO LANE BLACK TOP
Spelin

5 hours ago, Frosty said:

Did you change your name to Derek?

No, but he's always hangin round, in my head at least makin me smile in the garage. Wife is constantly wondering what I'm up too out there!

One last thing to check. Does it have a ceramic resistor? Bypass the resistor and jump wire to wire. See if that makes the starting issue better.

Ordered the Pertronix today, going to YouTube university for a crash course in Rochester carburetion next. Wish me luck!

Time for an update. Change of plans: went with the HEI distributor instead of just replacing the module. Installation went well but now I have a problem where the car dies as I come to a stop. Restarts every time but what a pain in the tuckus. Installer played with the idle speed screw onthe carb but it still stalls out. His workaround is to drop the car in neutral when I come to a stop while he researches the problem. Didn't have the issue with the old distributor, so I'm wondering if timing is to blame? Car starts right up now, after I replaced the 2 year old battery. I just want it to be a reliable weekend toy my wife can drive when she wants. Your thoughts and comments are all welcome!