Ignition System: Description

The Delco-Remy High Energy Ignition System (HEI) consists of a distributor with an integral electronic module, a battery, an ignition coil, an ignition switch, spark plugs, and primary and secondary wiring.

The HEI distributor housing encloses the following components: Vacuum and centrifugal advance mechanisms, magnetic pick-up coil, pole piece (with internal teeth), trigger wheel (with external teeth), an electronic module (with built-in radio noise suppression capacitor), rotor and distributor shaft. See Fig 1.

All HEI systems use 8 mm spark plug wiring and wide spark plug gaps. An electrical connector on the side of the distributor housing connects the HEI system with the vehicle's ignition and battery wiring.

Fig 1: Exploded View of HEI Distributor

NOTE: The trigger wheel and pick-up coil piece each have 4 teeth, one for each engine cylinder.

The ignition switch terminal and the ignition coil have full battery voltage when the ignition switch is in the "ON" or "START" position. There is no ballast resistor or resistance wire between the ignition switch and the ignition coil. The ignition coil is attached to the engine block next to the distributor.