DUI HEI distributor fans?

[68 Sport Satellite]

I've been looking at the DUI (Davis Unified Ignition) HEI distributor setups for my 451 build. I've read a lot of good reviews online, but no real feedback from the FBBO community, although there are some fans over on the Moparchat forums as well as a couple of magazine shootouts. Other than some minor clearance issues which can require grinding of valve covers and air cleaner trays (on the order of 11/48"), are there any reasons why you would not want to use this specific HEI setup? The DUI is an all-in-one unit with only 1-wire, has internal coil, eliminates the ballast resistor, and should give much better starting, smoother idle and acceleration, and possibly bump HP by 5-10.

Cost is high (around $300-$400), but given the benefits I'm really liking this ignition option.

More than anything, I'm interested to hear about long term reliability. I currently run the chrome box and mopar Dist. in my 360 small block. It's OK, but with the 451, I'd love to make some improvements.

 

[RustyRatRod]

What benefits are there exactly? I cannot see how it can be that much better than a Mopar system with the chrome or gold box, or the MSD either.

 

[68 Sport Satellite]

What benefits are there exactly? I cannot see how it can be that much better than a Mopar system with the chrome or gold box, or the MSD either.

See those listed in my original post above.

 

[Dodge 330]

The only issue I would have is parts availability.

I like using the MSD 6AL coupled to a Mopar electronic distributor because I drive my cars a LOT!

You can pretty much walk into any parts store and get replacement cap/rotor/pickup for the stock distributor and 6AL's are used by ALL brands and are everywhere.

The bonus is hotter spark, stock looking components (I hide the MSD under the battery tray) and a build in rev-limiter along with the ability to install a 2 or 3 step if I want to later on down the line. They also have a plug-in that allows you to adjust the timing up to 15 degrees from the drivers seat! Oh yeah, no need for that crappy ballast resistor either!

I've done this on a couple of street cars now and coupled with a good curve installed in the distributor, I'd be hard pressed to do any other ignition sytem. I have a Mopar ECU and electronic distributor in my '75 Powerwagon and it's a PITA! Ground issues with the ECU are always an issue as are boxes going bad every couple of years.

 

[Greg Ducato]

I have had four of these DUI distributors in various vehicles including 1 mopar, they all worked very well and I was pleased with the quality.

 

[RustyRatRod]

...

 

[68 Sport Satellite]

I have had four of these DUI distributors in various vehicles including 1 mopar, they all worked very well and I was pleased with the quality.

Excellent Greg! Are there any installation pitfalls to watch out for? I know that on a low deck B-motor I'm supposed to have to do a bit of grinding for clearance...

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I have had four of these DUI distributors in various vehicles including 1 mopar, they all worked very well and I was pleased with the quality.

Quick question Greg - have you had any of the DUI units long enough to service them with a new cap or something and if so, do you order replacements from DUI or what? I was previously leaning towards the Mopar distributor with MSD setup, but I'm surprised how many failure issues I've heard with MSD. Mostly good things about MSD, but even so...maybe those were from improper grounding? I'm wanting to go the DUI route, but in 3 or 5 years I don't want to be wishing I had gone with something more widely available.

 

[Jonnyuma]

I run HEI on (in) my Cordoba and it works great. When I got the distributor I ****-canned all the subpar Chinese parts and replaced em with American made parts straight outta my Chevy-loving buddy's stash so I'd say that yes, parts interchangability is pretty universal. You could probably take parts from any GM HEI in the junkyard and make it work....NAPA works best for me, though. The only real difference between GM and Mopar units is the drive gear. Mine went on a small block w an aftermarket dual plane and 4 bbl with no clearance issues at all. One wire hookup, no ugly coil or box or ballast resistor, plugs opened up to 45/1000ths...yeah, I like mine and so does the car.

 

[Greg Ducato]

Excellent Greg! Are there any installation pitfalls to watch out for? I know that on a low deck B-motor I'm supposed to have to do a bit of grinding for clearance...
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Quick question Greg - have you had any of the DUI units long enough to service them with a new cap or something and if so, do you order replacements from DUI or what? I was previously leaning towards the Mopar distributor with MSD setup, but I'm surprised how many failure issues I've heard with MSD. Mostly good things about MSD, but even so...maybe those were from improper grounding? I'm wanting to go the DUI route, but in 3 or 5 years I don't want to be wishing I had gone with something more widely available.

Clearence was a little tight on the A engined truck I put this in required a minor bump on the firewall. The mopar ignition system on the vehicle had been hacked on and would have to be all replaced. No regrets on the HEI unit it worked very well, they set up the curve for my application and it seemed good. I don't put enough miles on my fun cars to warrant replacement of the cap and rotor very frequently, but these are stock GM items available anywhere. Funny thing on the MSD, I converted a buddies vehicle from an HEI to the MSD per his request and it has not been the picture of reliability he had hoped.If I didn't use an HEI , I would stick with the good Mopar parts if it were me, and only choose an HEI by a reputable builder such as DUI.