There would be little diff between std or HEI current draw. Capacitor discharge ign will use very little current, and as long as you turn on ign (hear it run up ) and then crank they will fire everytime, but alas everybody wants HEI. If the wire has ~1v now, then it was likely it was like thls before you changed it. I recently changed to reduction gear starter, turns an 87 - 350 over like magic. The old starter laboured when RE-starting hot, sounded like it was labouring with a flat battery, but was a combination of stuffed nose bush, heat soak, no shims (incorrect teeth spacing) and age. (possible higher comp in motor- another story). The advantages of HEI are, no point wear, correct dwell angle for all combinations of engine revs ~ load, constant current load thru coil. In all vehicles with older style starter motors, the voltage will drop VERY low when cranking, BUT ~2volt is FAR TOO LOW. Check cables, crimped lug ends, cable diametre, dirty joints/corrosion at battery terminals, and the size and connection of the earthing cable.(this needs to be on the starter to block bolt) In my 78 the battery is in the cab behind the LH seat, the cables are long, I've replaced the originals with good quality welding cable. A good tip is to clean the battery terminals, tighty fit the cables - then give a very (VERY) light spray of "Lanolin". Sorry to prattle on, hope this helps. Oh! sometimes if the starter is poling (I think its called) it will draw far too much juice and act like a short, dropping the battery termimal voltage to nothing.
