Vintage tach and HEI distributor.
 

I would like to put a column mounted vintage tach on my Studebaker farm truck. I used a 76 vintage GM hei distributor.

Will a Sun Super Tach II work with the old GM HEI?

If not, what is a good choice?

BTW, this thing runs great. Can't believe the difference between the flat head six (90 hp) and a .020 over 350 Chevy. No special parts. Used a Crane roller cam, described as "Brute low end torque and HP, smooth idle, daily usage, towing, economy, also mild turbocharged, 2200- 3000 cruise RPM, 8.0 to 9.5 compression ratio advised." Part no. HR- 260- 2- 12 IG with 72 cc truck heads, flat top hyper pistons, and a two barrel. 19 inches of vac., rock solid idle. 12 degrees initial, 36 total in about 3500 rpm, later than a light car would need... wanted to make sure it didn't ping when loaded. After all this truck, although it only weighs about 4500 lbs. has a GVW of 14,000 lbs.

Used a control panel to run idiot lights off the engine, and for ignition and fuel pump. Wanted an electric fuel pump as it may sit a few weeks, and that way, I just turn on the fuel pump and let if fill the carb instead of cranking for 20 seconds. Also, by running thosee things separately, I can more easily split the electrical for the horn and fuel gauge which are still six volt (so they go through an adapter 12 volt to 6).

Re: Vintage tach and HEI distributor.
 

Sun Super Tach II should work perfectly.


BIG

Re: Vintage tach and HEI distributor.
 

Sweet truck Lynn. Love the color/patina. What are the rear gears in that beast?

Re: Vintage tach and HEI distributor.
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mockingbird812</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sweet truck Lynn. Love the color/patina. What are the rear gears in that beast? </div></div>

Are you sitting down?

6.56

Haven't measured to see what else might fit. Lots of Dually trucks being parted out, and many of the later Chevy's have 4.10 rear. That would be perfect. I would have to have the axles drilled for my original wheels, as I don't want to give them up.

Really needed that gear to get moving with the flathead six. Darn sure don't need it with the Chebby motor. Unladen, I am starting out in 3rd. My 5 speed is NOT an OD unit. But, if I run across a deal on an OD trans, I would swap it out in a heartbeat.

Thanks for the help on the tach. I found an old thread where I posted that I had used a Super Tach II with an HEI back in the 70's. Doh!!!

At least I know what to look for.