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Top Street Performance

Buick SB 215-350 V8 HEI Distributor

Buick SB 215-350 V8 HEI Distributor

SKU: SKU: JM6524R

Regular price $190.12
Sale price $190.12 Regular price $216.05
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Top Street Performance (TSP) is committed to providing high-quality performance parts while complying with emissions regulations. This product is designed for use on vehicles that comply with federal emissions regulations. It is the customer’s responsibility to verify that this part is legal for use in their state or local jurisdiction. Check with your local emissions authority before purchasing.

Product Details

Features

  • Fits Buick small block 215, 300, 340, and 350 V8 — carbureted applications
  • Also fits 1970–1974 Range Rover 3.5L Rover V8 — Buick 215 architecture
  • 65,000-Volt internal HEI coil — single 12V wire, no external coil or box needed
  • 215 and 300 CID require aftermarket intake manifold — 340 and 350 are direct-fit

Description

The TSP HEI Distributor for the Buick small block V8 is a self-contained large-cap HEI ignition upgrade covering the full Buick small block family — 215 CID (3.5L), 300 CID (4.9L), 340 CID (5.6L), and 350 CID (5.7L) — in carbureted applications. The integrated HEI design combines the ignition coil, ignition module, cap, and rotor into a single unit, connecting to a single 12-volt source with no external coil, ignition box, or condenser required.

The 65,000-volt internal HEI coil delivers substantially stronger spark than a factory points-style distributor, supporting easier cold starts, cleaner idle quality, and more consistent ignition performance across the full RPM range. A magnetic pickup trigger replaces the mechanical points contact and requires no routine maintenance. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, with a vacuum advance adjustment tool shipped with the distributor for advance curve tuning.

This distributor also fits the 1970–1974 Range Rover equipped with the Rover 3.5L V8 — which shares its foundational architecture with the Buick 215 aluminum V8, making this a direct ignition upgrade path for early Range Rover carbureted applications.

 

The Buick Small Block V8 Family — What This Distributor Covers
The Buick small block V8 is a distinct engine family that spans four displacements across several decades and two continents. The 215 CID aluminum V8 was introduced in 1961 and used in the Buick Special and Skylark before Rover purchased the design in 1965 and continued producing it as the 3.5L Rover V8. Buick subsequently grew the small block architecture through the 300 CID (1964–1965), 340 CID (1966–1967), and 350 CID (1968–1979), used across the Skylark, GS, Century, Apollo, LeSabre, and Riviera. Despite spanning different displacements and eras, all four share compatible distributor architecture — making this one distributor the right upgrade across the full Buick small block family, with one important caveat on the smaller displacements.

Performance Benefit
Replacing a worn or points-style distributor on any Buick small block V8 with an HEI unit delivers immediate improvements in starting reliability, idle quality, and part-throttle drivability. The 65,000-volt internal HEI coil fires spark plugs more reliably than a factory points setup, and the magnetic pickup trigger holds timing accurately without the wear and drift that accumulates in mechanical points contact over time. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, and the vacuum advance adjustment tool allows the vacuum curve to be tuned for your engine combination and driving conditions.

Specs

Trigger TypeMagnetic
Advance TypeMechanical And Vacuum
ColorAvailable in Red, Blue, Black, Clear
Terminal GenderMale
Mechanical Tach DriveNo
Slip CollarNo
Coil IncludedYes
Coil TypeInternal
Coil Output65000 V
Gear MaterialSteel
Housing MaterialMachined Aluminum
Ignition Box RequiredNo
Marine UseNo
Cylinders8
Vacuum Advance Adjustment ToolIncluded
Installation InstructionsIncluded

Engine Fitment

COMPATIBLE WITH
BUICK SMALL BLOCK V8
• 3.5 L / 215 in³ (Will not fit stock intake manifold. Aftermarket intake required.)
• 4.9 L / 300 in³ (Will not fit stock intake manifold. Aftermarket intake required.)
• 5.6 L / 340 in³
• 5.7 L / 350 in³

ROVER V8
• 3.5 L / 215 in³ (1970–1994)

Will not fit 215 in³ or 300 in³ with stock intake manifold. Aftermarket intake required.

NOTES
• Designed for Buick small block V8 215, 300, 340, and 350 applications.
• Also compatible with Rover 3.5L V8 (based on the Buick 215 aluminum block).
• Not compatible with Buick Nailhead V8 (264, 322, 364, 401, 425) or Buick big block V8 (400, 430, 455).
• Designed for carbureted ignition systems only.
• This distributor is designed for a 12 volt electrical system with an alternator and a performance ignition coil of 35,000 V or more.
• It is not compatible with a generator and cannot be used with a ballast resistor.
• Verify distributor gear compatibility with camshaft material before installation.

COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
Buick Special / Skylark (215, 1961–1963)
Buick Special / Skylark (300, 1964–1967)
Buick Special / Skylark (340, 1966–1967)
Buick LeSabre (300, 1964–1967; 340, 1966–1967; 350, 1968–1976)
Buick GS 350
Buick Century (350, 1973–1977)
Buick Apollo (350, 1973–1975)
Buick Regal (350, 1973–1979)
Rover Range Rover (3.5L, 1970–1994)

Q&A

What engines does this distributor fit?
This distributor fits the Buick small block V8 family, including the 215 CID (3.5L), 300 CID (4.9L), 340 CID (5.6L), and 350 CID (5.7L) in carbureted applications. It also fits the 1970–1974 Range Rover equipped with the Rover 3.5L V8. The 215 and 300 CID engines require an aftermarket intake manifold for HEI distributor clearance, while the 340 and 350 CID engines are direct-fit.

Why won't this distributor fit my Buick 215 or 300 with the stock intake manifold?
The stock intake manifold on the 215 and 300 CID engines does not provide enough clearance for the large-diameter HEI distributor cap. An aftermarket intake manifold designed for HEI clearance is required.

Does this distributor fit the Rover 3.5L V8 or Land Rover?
Yes. It fits the 1970–1974 Range Rover equipped with the Rover 3.5L V8, which is based on the original Buick 215 aluminum V8. For other Rover V8 applications, verify compatibility before ordering.

Does this distributor include an ignition coil?
Yes. The HEI ignition coil is built into the distributor cap, eliminating the need for an external ignition coil. A single 12-volt ignition power wire is all that is required.

Do I need an external ignition box or control module?
No. The ignition control module is built into the distributor, so no external ignition box, CDI unit, points, or condenser is required.

What is the coil output voltage on this distributor?
This distributor delivers up to 65,000 volts of spark output for improved starting, idle quality, and throttle response compared to factory points ignition.

Will this distributor fit a Chevrolet 350, Oldsmobile 350, or Pontiac 350?
No. This distributor is designed exclusively for Buick small block V8 engines. It is not compatible with Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, or any other GM V8 engine family.

What type of advance does this distributor use?
It features both mechanical (centrifugal) and vacuum advance. A vacuum advance adjustment tool is included to help fine-tune the ignition advance curve.

What type of distributor gear is included, and does it matter?
A steel distributor gear is included. It is compatible with cast iron camshafts and many aftermarket steel camshafts. Verify compatibility if your engine uses a bronze or specialty cam gear.

Do I need to set ignition timing after installation?
Yes. Base ignition timing should be set with a timing light after installation. Final timing will depend on your engine combination and tuning requirements.

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

Does this distributor have a mechanical tachometer drive or tachometer output?
No. This distributor does not include a mechanical tachometer drive. Vehicles requiring a tachometer will need an electronic tachometer or a compatible tach signal adapter.

Emissions Notice

This Top Street Performance (TSP) product is designed for racing and off-road competition use only. It is not legal for use on public roads or emissions-controlled vehicles and does not comply with federal, state, or local emissions regulations. The buyer assumes all responsibility for legal use and installation.

What is a Emissions-Controlled Vehicle?
"An emissions-controlled vehicle is any vehicle equipped with a factory-installed emissions control system designed to reduce air pollution. These systems include catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valves, and diesel particulate filters (DPF). Most vehicles manufactured after 1975 are considered emissions-controlled and must comply with federal and state emissions laws when used on public roads."