DogHouse mods for an HEI Distributor?

Hey guys..
I'm just on the verge of making the jump from my old distributor to an HEI unit.
I have a 65 Falcon with a rebuilt 170.
I've been having a lot of problems with my Van randomly loosing spark (i.e.: driving it around all day; stop & starting it and all of sudden, it just won't fire.. The engine turns, it gets gas but it doesn't seem to be getting spark!

I currently have (what I think) is a load-o-matic Dist. but the points have been swapped out for an Pertronix IgnitorII Electronic Ignition & coil to match.
It almost seems that there is poor wiring connection as once again, it happens after I've been out rolling around. I checked all the wiring and it seems solid & well connected?
When it's up and rolling, it runs amazing but can't figure out why it just dies??

The HEI conversion seems like a no brainer as far as much better MPG & performance but what scares me is that I've read about the need for some serious mods to the DogHouse in order for the HEI unit to fit... I was wondering if this is in fact the case? I've read a good thread by DanTheVanMan about the install process but no threads really mentions the need to cut a whole in the side of the dog box to make extra space.
Just wondering if anyone has installed a HEI without cutting apart their DH
Thanks for your help.
J

I dont believe you have to make those doghouse mods with the six cylinder. I could be wrong though as I havent made this upgrade yet.

Thanks Rip!
I read quite a few different conflicting post so not completely sure what's actually involved in the conversion.. It's pretty pricey so it would suck to bite the bullet and order one, only to find you have to hack the DH apart just to fit it in.. I'm sure the end results would be amazing but I'd like to avoid cosmetic surgery on the DH if at all possible!

Jesse,
I made the conversion on my 62 and 63, both smaller doghouses than the 65. I used a stock Ford Duraspark electronic ignition from a 78 Granada. You have to be careful on the year you use, some of the earlier ones are no good, 75-76?? The distributor is the same size as the points distributor. It has a small cap and samee size wires as the points system. There is a larger diameter cap available for a hotter spark which may fit in the doghouse. This cap uses thicker wires and the plug gap is different. I used a rebuilt distributor with a new pickup installed, used wiring harness, new electronic igntion coil and a good used ignition module. Give me a call when you get a chance and I'll explain what I did in greater detail, very easy wiring.
Fred

Hey Fred,
What's up man!
I hope all is well and you've been having a great summer!
I'll give you a shout this weekend to catch up!
I ended up giving Mike at Classic Inlines a call to ask him his thoughts and I ended up pretty much doing what you've suggested.. I picked up a DurasparkII with a new coil & Electro module that all should play nice together! (fingers crossed!)
I'm hoping to have it all installed by the weekend as I'm going to try and tackle your "mustang Gas Tank swap"!
Jes

Jesse,
I'll be around every evening. Getting ready for the Econoline picnic on the 8th.
Fred

I'll post a picture of how I fabricated my doghouse panel. The seat bracket didn't work with it anymore though. still have to fabricate a new seat bracket though.

So here's a few pictures of what I did. This may not be the best way to do it, bit its what I did so that I could still use the battery box. The only thing I still need to do, and soon, is fabricate a new right seat bracket. as of right now the seat is just sitting on the distributor shelf.