AMC/Jeep 290-401 V8 Pro Series Ready to Run Distributor

• Fits AMC V8 290, 304, 343, 360, 390 & 401 — No ignition box required

• Circuit board module and magnetic pickup for accurate spark timing across all RPM

• Tunable advance curve — 3 bushings, 4 springs, and vacuum block-off plate included

• CNC billet aluminum housing, steel gear — tach output cable and external coil required

The TSP Pro Series Ready-to-Run Distributor for AMC V8 engines delivers precise ignition timing and dependable spark performance across the full family of AMC big- and small-block V8 applications — 290, 304, 343, 360, 390, and 401 cubic inch engines. Built around a circuit board module with magnetic pickup trigger, this distributor provides accurate and repeatable ignition timing without the need for a separate ignition control box or CDI unit.

Unlike an HEI design, the Pro Series Ready-to-Run uses an external ignition coil, giving you the flexibility to run a coil matched to your specific build. The magnetic pickup trigger eliminates points and condenser wear, holding timing more accurately over time than a factory points-style distributor. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, and the kit ships with three advance bushings and four advance springs, allowing the mechanical advance curve to be tuned for your engine combination, cam profile, and compression ratio. A vacuum advance block-off plate is also included for race and performance builds where vacuum advance is not desired.

A tachometer output extension cable is included, making it straightforward to wire an aftermarket tachometer without additional adapters. Whether you're building an AMC 360 street machine, refreshing a Javelin or AMX with a 390 or 401, or upgrading the ignition on a Jeep Wagoneer SJ or J-Series truck, this distributor is engineered for carbureted AMC V8 applications where tuning flexibility and long-term reliability matter.

Important: This distributor requires an external ignition coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher. Coil is not included. Designed for carbureted ignition systems only. Requires a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator. Not compatible with 6-volt systems, generators, or ballast resistors. Steel distributor gear — verify compatibility with your camshaft material before installation.

Why Choose a Pro Series Ready-to-Run Over a Stock Points Distributor?
The factory points distributor on AMC V8 engines requires regular maintenance — points wear, timing drifts, and performance degrades between service intervals. A Ready-to-Run distributor replaces the entire points and condenser system with a circuit board module and magnetic pickup trigger that requires no routine maintenance and holds ignition timing accurately over the life of the engine. The result is consistent spark delivery, improved cold starts, and more predictable timing behavior whether you're driving a restored muscle car or a trail-built Jeep.

Performance Benefit
The Pro Series design gives you genuine tuning control over the mechanical advance curve. With three advance bushings and four advance springs included, you can dial in how quickly timing advances with rising RPM — a feature that matters on performance builds running aftermarket camshafts, higher compression, or modified carburetors. A vacuum advance block-off plate is included for builds where vacuum advance is not wanted, such as dedicated performance and racing applications. The tachometer output extension cable simplifies wiring an aftermarket tach to your build without needing a separate adapter.

What AMC V8 engines does this distributor fit?
This distributor fits all AMC V8 engines including the 290 CID (4.8L), 304 CID (5.0L), 343 CID (5.6L), 360 CID (5.9L), 390 CID (6.4L), and 401 CID (6.6L). Supported vehicles include the AMC Javelin, AMX, Ambassador, Rebel, Matador, Gremlin, Hornet, Spirit, Concord, Eagle, Jeep CJ-5 and CJ-7 with 304 V8, Jeep J-Series trucks, Jeep Wagoneer SJ, and Grand Wagoneer. This distributor is designed for carbureted AMC V8 applications only.

What is the difference between a Ready-to-Run distributor and an HEI distributor?
A Ready-to-Run distributor uses a circuit board module with a magnetic pickup trigger and requires an external ignition coil — the coil is not built into the cap. This gives you flexibility to select a coil matched to your specific build and typically makes the distributor physically shorter under the hood. An HEI distributor integrates the coil directly into the large distributor cap, requiring only a single 12V wire but with less external coil flexibility. The Pro Series Ready-to-Run does not require a separate ignition control box — the module is internal.

Does this distributor require an ignition box or CDI unit?
No. The Pro Series Ready-to-Run design integrates the ignition control module internally. No external ignition box, CDI unit, points, or condenser is required.

Does this distributor include a coil?
No. This is a Ready-to-Run design that requires an external ignition coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher. The coil is not included and must be sourced separately.

What is included with this distributor?
This distributor ships with three advance bushings and four advance springs for mechanical advance curve tuning, a color-matched spark plug wire retainer with screws, a vacuum advance block-off plate in black, a power extension cable, and a tachometer output extension cable.

Can I tune the advance curve on this distributor?
Yes. Three advance bushings and four advance springs are included, allowing you to adjust how quickly the mechanical advance comes in with rising RPM. This is particularly useful on performance builds with aftermarket camshafts, modified compression ratios, or performance carburetors where a custom advance curve improves power and drivability.

What is the vacuum advance block-off plate for?
The included vacuum advance block-off plate allows you to disable vacuum advance on the distributor. This is commonly used on race and dedicated performance builds where vacuum advance is not wanted and full timing control is managed through the mechanical advance curve only.

Does this distributor have a tachometer output?
Yes. A tachometer output extension cable is included, making it straightforward to connect an aftermarket electronic tachometer to your build without needing a separate signal adapter.

What type of distributor gear is included, and does it matter?
This distributor uses a steel distributor gear. Steel gears are compatible with cast iron camshafts and most aftermarket steel camshafts. If your engine has been upgraded to a roller camshaft with a bronze or softer alloy cam gear, verify gear compatibility before installation — a mismatched gear and cam material combination will cause accelerated wear on both components.

Do I need to set ignition timing after installation?
Yes. Base ignition timing must be set with a timing light after installation. Optimal timing will vary depending on your engine's compression ratio, camshaft selection, carburetor tune, and mechanical advance curve setup. Start with the manufacturer's recommended base timing specification for your engine displacement and adjust from there during tuning.

Is this distributor compatible with a 6-volt electrical system or generator?
No. This distributor requires a 12-volt electrical system with a charging alternator. It is not compatible with 6-volt electrical systems, generators, or ballast resistors.

Will this distributor fit a Jeep Cherokee XJ?
No. The Jeep Cherokee XJ was not produced with an AMC V8 engine. This distributor is designed for AMC V8 applications only. The XJ used an inline-six or four-cylinder engine and is not compatible with this distributor.