1970 454 Original engine

[MGySgt69]

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

[MCfan]

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!

[cny first gen 71]

I aggree, I also believe it was 75

[MC1of80]

NO HEI in the 70 Monte Carlos. 

Like stated by others it didn't come out, into production till 74-75. 

[Rob Peters]

Ditto to what everyone else said.

rob

[MGySgt69]

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.

[DragCat]

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. 

[MGySgt69]

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.

[MC1of80]

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. 

[MGySgt69]

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

[wallaby]

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.

[MC1of80]

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. 

[MGySgt69]

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.

[Dtret]

Petronix is the way I’m going also.. to retain the oe look without all the points issues

[MGySgt69]

Here is two pictures of my monte 454 ss I am starting on. It has been in storage since 1998. 

[Dtret]

Nice car. Awesome when you get it done 

[MC1of80]

I know the feeling. Lol "Barn Find" was off the road since 1985.

[71MonteCarloMD]

+1 to Petronix as I converted my 350 to keep original look and it works well!

[714024SPEED]

I had a Petronix in my Pontiac for almost 20 years worked great .

[cny first gen 71]

I have Pertoenix in mine now for several years,  works great looks original.