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Can you put an HEI ignition out of a 454 into 350?

Yes, you can generally put an HEI distributor from a 454 into a 350 Chevrolet small-block engine. However, there are a few caveats:

* Mechanical Advance: The advance curve might not be ideal. The 454 distributor's advance curve is designed for a larger displacement engine. This might lead to slightly less-than-optimal performance or even detonation in the 350. You may need to adjust the mechanical advance or use a different distributor with a more suitable curve.

* Vacuum Advance: The vacuum advance might also need adjustment. While it's less critical than the mechanical advance, the vacuum advance is calibrated for the 454's torque characteristics and may not be perfectly tuned for the 350.

* Distributor Shaft Length: While unlikely, there's a slight possibility the distributor shaft length might be different. It's rare for this to be an issue between a 350 and 454, but it's worth double-checking before installing. If the shaft is too short or long, it won't engage the oil pump properly.

* Gear Type: Ensure the distributor gear is compatible with your 350's camshaft. Most likely, it will be a standard 3/8" diameter gear, but confirming this is recommended.

In short: It will *likely* work, but you'll probably need to adjust the advance curve (both mechanical and vacuum) to optimize performance for the 350. A professional mechanic or experienced tuner can easily dial it in, or you can do it yourself with a timing light and a dial-back timing tool. Using a dial-back tool is strongly recommended to prevent damaging the engine during the tuning process.