Ok so I just installed my HEI distributor with a new MSD blaster coil. now the car won't start. I'm getting strong spark from the coil to the distributor, but a super weak/no spark out of the distributor.

I'm getting 12v at both the + and - side of the coil with the ignition to the on position.

 

Try putting your old coil in and see if it runs. HEI's usually have the coil on top of the dizzy cap. Do you mean you switched to a dizzy with an electronic pick up? Some of those require a full 12 volts so you may have to bypass the resistor wire. Check your directions to be sure. Exactly what type of dizzy are you running now?

 

It won't run with either coil.

Here's a pic of the distributor:


It's just a cheap ebay distributor but they say it's HEI just the coil isn't attached. I wanted to swap, but didn't want the huge bulk on the front of my engine so I went with this one. There are two wires coming out of the distributor. The inside doesn't look like a HEI or a magnetic pickup distributor.

 

So you are getting a strong spark from the coil wire when cranking?
If so that would indicate to me that the coil and distributor are working..Is there perhaps something wrong with the rotor or cap?

 

Looks like a normal cheap electronic distributor, insides/outside definitely look nothing like my hei.

 

yes the coil is sending good spark during cranking.

the cap and rotor seem good. They're brand new so they're not worn or anything. No cracks and it fits snug on the distributor. Rotor also looks good and also no wearing or cracks. Fits snug.

I'm just going to return the distributor and get a pertronix distributor. I feel like the distributor itself is the problem. I usually make it a point not to buy made in china crap for this reason, but for $45 I figured it was worth a shot.

One main question I have though. Am I supposed to be getting 12v to the - side of the coil? I know there is supposed to be 12v to the +, but that seems a little off to me. Not sure if I had that reading with the old coil setup or not.