Chevy SB/BB V8 HEI Distributor with Super Cap

• Super Cap HEI — wider terminal spacing, hardened steel gear, brass terminals

• Fits SBC Gen. I 262–400 and standard deck BBC 396, 402, 427, and 454 — carbureted

• 65,000-Volt integrated HEI coil — clockwise rotation, single 12V wire connection

• Not compatible with tall deck BBC, LS engines, or governor-equipped applications

The TSP Super Cap HEI Distributor for the Chevy SBC and BBC is a large-cap HEI ignition upgrade for the Gen. I Chevrolet small block V8 (262–400 CID) and the standard-deck Mark IV big block V8 (396, 402, 427, and 454 CID) in carbureted applications. The Super Cap design features a larger diameter cap than the standard HEI, providing greater physical spacing between the eight spark plug wire terminals. Wider terminal spacing reduces the risk of crossfire — where high voltage arcs to an adjacent terminal — and provides additional clearance for routing plug wire boots around the cap.

This distributor features a hardened steel distributor gear, brass terminal construction, and a 65,000-volt integrated HEI coil. Distributor rotation is clockwise. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, with a vacuum advance adjustment tool shipped with the distributor. No external coil, ignition box, or condenser is required — the only external connection is a single 12-volt hot wire.

Not compatible with tall-deck big block engines, governor-equipped applications, LS or Gen. III/IV engines, or EFI systems. Requires a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator. Not compatible with 6-volt systems, generators, or ballast resistors.

Super Cap
The Super Cap is a larger diameter HEI cap with greater spacing between the eight terminal positions. The increased spacing reduces the risk of high-voltage crossfire between adjacent terminals and provides additional physical room for 90-degree plug wire boots around the cap.

What is a Super Cap and how does it differ from a standard HEI cap?
The Super Cap is a larger-diameter HEI distributor cap with greater spacing between the eight spark plug wire terminals than a standard HEI cap. The wider terminal spacing helps reduce the risk of crossfire—where high voltage intended for one cylinder arcs to an adjacent terminal—and provides additional clearance for routing 90-degree spark plug wire boots around the cap.

What engines does this distributor fit?
This distributor fits the Chevrolet Gen. I small block V8—262, 265, 267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350, and 400 CID—and the standard-deck Mark IV big block V8—396, 402, 427, and 454 CID—in carbureted applications. It is not compatible with tall-deck big block engines, governor-equipped applications, LS engines, or EFI/computer-controlled ignition systems.

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

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

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

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 fine-tuning of the vacuum advance curve for your application.

Will this fit a tall-deck big block Chevy?
No. This distributor is designed for standard-deck Mark IV big block Chevrolet engines only. It is not compatible with tall-deck big block Chevy applications.

What direction does this distributor rotate?
This distributor rotates clockwise, which is the standard rotation direction for all Chevrolet Gen. I small block and Mark IV big block V8 engines.

Do I need to set ignition timing after installation?
Yes. Set base ignition timing with a timing light after installation. For most carbureted SBC 350 applications, a starting point of 8–12 degrees BTDC at idle is a common reference. Optimal timing will vary depending on your compression ratio, camshaft profile, and carburetor calibration.

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.