MGySgt69 Posted March 8, 2021 Share Posted March 8, 2021 I am finally starting to restore my Monte 454 SS. My question is did the 1970 454s have an HEI distributor? I had a disagreement with a parts guy that they did not start usiing HEI until 1975. Can anyone tell me if they did. Joe Auger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCfan Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 There was no HEI on my stock '70 SS, Joe. I believe you are correct about the HEI coming into production in '75. Good luck with your restoration project! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 I aggree, I also believe it was 75 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC1of80 Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 NO HEI in the 70 Monte Carlos. Like stated by others it didn't come out, into production till 74-75. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Peters Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 Ditto to what everyone else said. rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGySgt69 Posted March 9, 2021 Author Share Posted March 9, 2021 Thanks all to your help. I also looked up in some of my service manuals and found the number should be 1111963 OA15. It showed it was not HEI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DragCat Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 This one made me laugh....on my old 454 the PO had installed an HEI and the coil went bad. So the typical story I went to the local parts store and told the young man behind the counter I needed a coil and of course he asked what year/make/and model car. Luckily one of the old salts was watching and educated him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGySgt69 Posted March 10, 2021 Author Share Posted March 10, 2021 Thats a good one, I told my friend at the parts store I was wrong. He said he had a few of these distributors and would let me have one it they were the correct one for my monte. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC1of80 Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 If you are going numbers correct, there is also a build date on the distributor housing along with the part number. The date has to be within 6months of your cars build date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGySgt69 Posted March 10, 2021 Author Share Posted March 10, 2021 The number that my 1970 gm service manual listed was 1111963 OA15. Since my monte is all numbers matching I want to make everything correct. Thank you for all the help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallaby Posted March 17, 2021 Share Posted March 17, 2021 If you want original stuff, You're going to be stuck with a small cap, and a set of points and condenser. Keep a matchbook in the glovebox, and don't forget to use cam lube on the rubbing block. Ditto the above, HEI didn't come available until 74-75, but is a worthwhile upgrade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC1of80 Posted March 18, 2021 Share Posted March 18, 2021 Ummmm, could convert to a pertronix electronic ignition or other manufacturer that retains the original housing, rotor and cap but is electronic (no adjustments) as opposed to the factory points. Here is a picture of "bard find" with the pertronix conversion, including coil and wires. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGySgt69 Posted March 18, 2021 Author Share Posted March 18, 2021 My dad had autobody and towing shop. I learned when I was very young how to repair vehicles and always had a mactch book close by. Great idea about Petronics, I have one of there crimping tool kit it is great. Thanks guys. I turned 70 last month and I am still learning what really helps is a club like this and everyone helps all. Glad I joined. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dtret Posted March 18, 2021 Share Posted March 18, 2021 Petronix is the way I’m going also.. to retain the oe look without all the points issues 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGySgt69 Posted March 18, 2021 Author Share Posted March 18, 2021 Here is two pictures of my monte 454 ss I am starting on. It has been in storage since 1998. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dtret Posted March 18, 2021 Share Posted March 18, 2021 Nice car. Awesome when you get it done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC1of80 Posted March 18, 2021 Share Posted March 18, 2021 I know the feeling. Lol "Barn Find" was off the road since 1985. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71MonteCarloMD Posted March 18, 2021 Share Posted March 18, 2021 +1 to Petronix as I converted my 350 to keep original look and it works well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
714024SPEED Posted March 18, 2021 Share Posted March 18, 2021 I had a Petronix in my Pontiac for almost 20 years worked great . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted March 18, 2021 Share Posted March 18, 2021 I have Pertoenix in mine now for several years, works great looks original. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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