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We add a High Energy Ignition to our AMC V-8, and reap the benefits

- Verne Simons

The high-energy ignition install was pretty easy, and the improvements can be felt in the seat dyno as well as in our wallets as the Jeep picked up a few mpgs with this upgrade. This is an upgrade we won't hesitate to recommend to anyone or add to any of the other applicable engines in our herd of 4x4s.

At some point in the mid-1970s or so, GM, with Delco-Remy, came up with a new electronic ignition system known as HEI, or High Energy Ignition. We've touted this as an upgrade for many engines and it continues to be a great upgrade for any older vehicle.

Davis Unified Ignition (DUI) is a leader in supplying drop-in HEI systems for many engines, including the AMC 304ci V-8 in our '74 CJ-5. These systems from DUI incorporate GM's large-cap distributor with an integrated coil and control module. Installation is simple, and the system offers not only a custom distributor recurve but also a more powerful spark for the engine. We opted for all of the advances to come in at about 3,500 rpm, a place where our engine would see lots of use. The result is a major seat-of-the-pants improvement, as well as improvements in mileage and reliability. Here's how we installed the unit.