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Old 09-26-2025, 08:48 PM
Picketwire Bob Picketwire Bob is offline
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Default HEI Clearance?

I've searched this particular forum but haven't found an answer. The question is, will an HEI distributor fit into a 67 Tempest? By that I mean more than just firewall clearance. Can a guy install and remove an HEI with the engine in its normal bolted in position? I'd like to get some feedback from others before I spend the time trying to set the HEI I've been running on my 455 that is getting installed. TIA


Last edited by Picketwire Bob; 09-26-2025 at 08:55 PM.
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Old 09-26-2025, 09:33 PM
Goatracer1 Goatracer1 is offline
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I have one in my 1967 GTO. Same car.

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Old 09-26-2025, 10:05 PM
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It’s the first-gen Firebirds that have clearance issues because the engine is set back so close to the firewall, the HEI is not a problem with any year A-body cars.

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Old 09-27-2025, 09:06 AM
Picketwire Bob Picketwire Bob is offline
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Default Many Thanks !

Thanks for the input. The car right now has a 326 with points distributor and it looks tight!
I had a 69 FB that a previous owner had taken a big hammer to the firewall so the HEI would clear. I wasn't sure if he did that for the HEI on a Pontiac or the BBC they said he had stuffed in there before that.
Good to know. One more concern addressed.

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Old 09-27-2025, 10:01 AM
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george kujanski george kujanski is offline
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Hei in my '67 GTO 455. No issues.

George

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Old 10-03-2025, 11:01 AM
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Plenty of room to swap in an HEI on your '67 Tempest with the engine in place.

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Old 10-10-2025, 08:35 AM
Picketwire Bob Picketwire Bob is offline
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Default Thanks, guys

Appreciate the replies on this question. The car is in the body shop so I had no was to experiment with the 326 that is sitting in it right now. Just wanted to verify fit before I invested a bunch time and money in an HEI.

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Old 10-11-2025, 09:10 PM
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It won't fit if you plan on running a tripower.

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Old 10-14-2025, 04:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hobbygto65 View Post
It won't fit if you plan on running a tripower.
Not trying to steal the thread, but have a 428 w/HEI in my '66 GTO.
Am going to hve tri-power installed when I get back to Florida.
What would be the best "standard" size HEI distributor to replace the current one?

Currently has an Edelbrock 4-bbl on a "Torker" intake, with the "HEI" distributor.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Allan Bishop

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Old 10-14-2025, 06:52 PM
67Lemons 67Lemons is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldman66gto View Post
Not trying to steal the thread, but have a 428 w/HEI in my '66 GTO.
Am going to hve tri-power installed when I get back to Florida.
What would be the best "standard" size HEI distributor to replace the current one?

Currently has an Edelbrock 4-bbl on a "Torker" intake, with the "HEI" distributor.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Allan Bishop
Standard issue HEI won’t fit with tri-power, you’ll need to either use a modern small body HEI or Ready to Run distributor or a points distributor.

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Old 10-14-2025, 07:33 PM
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fyrffytr1 fyrffytr1 is online now
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldman66gto View Post
Not trying to steal the thread, but have a 428 w/HEI in my '66 GTO.
Am going to hve tri-power installed when I get back to Florida.
What would be the best "standard" size HEI distributor to replace the current one?

Currently has an Edelbrock 4-bbl on a "Torker" intake, with the "HEI" distributor.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Allan Bishop
Another option is the conversion system from M&H wiring. I converted my stock points distributor several years ago and have not had a problem. I also installed the voltage regulator conversion from the same dealer with no problem.

https://www.wiringharness.com/

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