Installing HEI on 225

I've read Rich Motts instructions and I'm trying to figure out what needs to be modified on the intake manifold when installing the GM HEI?

 

The Bolt and hole on the drivers side front of the intake manifold will interfere with the body and cap of the HEI distributor. the best way to determine how much you need to grind away is to remove the old dist and try to put the HEI in, don't worry about getting the timing right at first because you will need to test fit several times before you get the clearance right. grind away a little at a time until you can install the dist and cap without hitting the manifold/bolt.

Note: there are 4 lugs holding the cap on the HEI, I had to remove one of them from the cap in order for my HEI to turn (set timing).
the other 3 will hold the cap securely.

$.02 Hope it helps

 

Hey Gregg,

Let me know how this comes out, as I have one also that I will be installing on my new rebuild shortly.

Thanks.

 

I have a 231 and did not have to grind anything. Is the 231 that much different from a 225?

 

depends... the odd fir distributor originally came in 76-77 231 odd fires. the year i mentioned might be wrongbut the did come stock in 231's

 

btw !! if you have to grind make sure to plug the dist hole with a rag and then vacuum or clean off all the metal grindings and shards BEFORE you remove the rag to test fit the hei dist?? i.e. don't let em drop into the engine.

 

when i rebuilt the :v6:, i ground down the intake manifold enough to use the hei BEFORE i installed the manifold. I recommend using a grade 8 torx head.

 

How did you know where and how much to grind. I thought about just sitting the manifold on the motor to try to figure it out.