Chevy 262 (4.3L) V6 HEI Distributor

• Fits GM 90° 4.3L (262 CID) V6 — carbureted applications only, not EFI or Vortec

• 65,000-Volt internal HEI coil — single 12V wire, no external coil or box needed

• Not compatible with GM 60° V6 (2.8L/3.1L/3.4L) or computer-controlled ignition

• Fits S-10, Blazer, Astro, Sonoma, Jimmy, and Safari — verify carbureted before ordering

The TSP HEI Distributor for the GM 90° V6 is a self-contained large-cap HEI ignition upgrade for the Chevrolet 4.3L (262 CID) 90-degree V6 in carbureted applications only. 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.

Verify your ignition system before ordering. The 4.3L V6 was produced with a carburetor from approximately 1985 through 1987 in most applications, before transitioning to Throttle Body Injection (TBI) EFI. This distributor is designed for the carbureted HEI ignition system only and is not compatible with TBI, CMFI, EFI, Vortec, or any computer-controlled ignition system. If your vehicle uses fuel injection of any type, this distributor is not the correct unit.

Verify your V6 engine family before ordering. The GM 90° V6 (small-block-based, 262 CID) is a distinct engine from the GM 60° V6 family (2.8L, 3.1L, 3.4L). These two V6 families require different distributors and are not interchangeable. If your engine is a 2.8L, 3.1L, or 3.4L 60° V6, this distributor is not compatible.

The 65,000-volt internal HEI coil delivers stronger, more consistent spark than a factory points-style or worn stock HEI distributor, supporting easier cold starts, cleaner idle quality, and more consistent ignition performance. A magnetic pickup trigger requires no routine maintenance. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, with a vacuum advance adjustment tool shipped with the distributor.

GM 90° V6 vs. GM 60° V6 — Which Engine Do You Have?
Two completely different GM V6 engine families were used in similar vehicles during the 1980s and 1990s. The GM 90° V6 (also called the "Odd-Fire" and later "Even-Fire" V6 in earlier incarnations) is derived from the Chevrolet small block V8 architecture and displaces 262 CID (4.3L) in its primary truck/SUV/van application. The GM 60° V6 is a separate, narrower-angle design used in front-wheel-drive and some rear-wheel-drive passenger car applications — 2.8L, 3.1L, and 3.4L. These two families require different distributors entirely. Verify your engine by checking the displacement on your intake manifold or VIN decode before ordering.

Carbureted vs. EFI — What Ignition System Does Your Vehicle Have?
The 4.3L (262 CID) V6 was produced with a Rochester carburetor from approximately 1985 through 1987 in most light truck and van applications. Beginning in approximately 1988, most 4.3L V6 applications transitioned to GM Throttle Body Injection (TBI) — a fuel injection system that also changed the distributor design to one controlled by the engine computer. This HEI distributor is designed for the pre-EFI carbureted ignition system only. If your vehicle uses TBI, CMFI, Vortec, or any other form of fuel injection, this distributor will not function correctly in your ignition system.

Performance Benefit
The 65,000-volt internal HEI coil fires spark plugs more consistently than a stock or aging factory distributor across the full RPM range, translating to improved cold starts, idle stability, and throttle response. The magnetic pickup trigger holds timing accurately without the wear and drift that accumulates in points-based systems. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, and the vacuum advance adjustment tool allows the curve to be tuned for your specific combination.

What engines does this distributor fit?
This distributor is confirmed for the GM 90° V6—4.3L (262 CID)—in carbureted applications only, produced from approximately 1985 through 1987 in most S-10, Blazer, Astro, Sonoma, Jimmy, and Safari applications. It is designed for carbureted HEI ignition systems only and is not compatible with TBI, EFI, Vortec, or any computer-controlled ignition. It is also not compatible with GM 60° V6 engines (2.8L, 3.1L, or 3.4L).

Does this fit my 4.3L V6—how do I know if mine is carbureted or EFI?
The carbureted 4.3L V6 was used from approximately 1985 through 1987 in most light truck and van applications. From approximately 1988 onward, GM transitioned most 4.3L applications to Throttle Body Injection (TBI), a fuel injection system. To verify, look at your intake manifold. If you see a carburetor on top of the intake, your engine is carbureted and this distributor is compatible. If you see a TBI unit (a fuel injection throttle body that resembles a carburetor but contains fuel injectors), your engine uses EFI and this distributor is not compatible.

What is the difference between the GM 90° V6 and the GM 60° V6?
The GM 90° V6 (262 CID / 4.3L) is derived from the Chevrolet small block V8, with cylinder banks forming a 90-degree angle. It was used primarily in rear-wheel-drive trucks, vans, and SUVs from 1985 onward. The GM 60° V6 (2.8L, 3.1L, and 3.4L) is a narrower, separate engine design used in front-wheel-drive and some rear-wheel-drive passenger cars. These two engine families require different distributors. If your engine is a 2.8L, 3.1L, or 3.4L, this distributor is not compatible.

Will this fit my 1988 or later S-10, Blazer, or Astro Van?
Most 4.3L V6 applications transitioned to Throttle Body Injection (TBI) EFI in approximately 1988. This distributor is for carbureted HEI ignition systems only. If your 1988 or later S-10, Blazer, or Astro Van uses TBI or any other form of fuel injection, this distributor is not compatible. Verify your engine's ignition system type before ordering.

Does this distributor include an ignition coil?
Yes. The ignition coil is built into the distributor cap as part of the HEI design. No external coil is required. The only external connection needed is a single 12-volt hot wire.

Do I need an external ignition box or control module?
No. The ignition control module is integrated internally within the distributor. No external ignition box, CDI unit, points, or condenser is required.

What is the coil output voltage?
This distributor produces 65,000 volts of coil output, significantly higher than a stock or worn factory HEI unit, delivering a stronger, more consistent spark for improved cold starts, idle stability, and throttle response.

What type of advance does this distributor use?
This distributor uses both mechanical (centrifugal) advance and vacuum advance. A vacuum advance adjustment tool is included to allow tuning of the vacuum advance curve for your specific application.

What type of distributor gear is included?
This distributor includes a steel distributor gear. The gear is most compatible with cast iron hydraulic or solid flat tappet camshafts. For roller camshaft applications, consult your camshaft manufacturer for the recommended gear material.

Do I need to set ignition timing after installation?
Yes. Base ignition timing must be set with a timing light after installation. For most carbureted 4.3L V6 applications, a starting point of 6–10 degrees BTDC at idle is a common reference, though the optimal setting will vary based on your specific engine combination and carburetor tune.

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