Ford SB 289/302 V8 HEI Distributor

• Internal 65,000V coil delivers stronger spark for Windsor V8 ignition

• One-wire hookup — no external coil or ignition box required

• Direct fit for Ford Windsor 221/260/289/302 carbureted V8s

• Machined aluminum housing with included vacuum advance tool

Upgrade your Ford small block Windsor V8 — 221, 260, 289, or 302 CID — with this HEI-style distributor, built around a magnetic trigger and a 65,000-volt coil housed directly in the unit — so there's no external coil or ignition box to wire in separately. The one-wire hookup simplifies installation on Mustang, Falcon, Fairlane, Bronco, F-Series, Cougar, and Comet applications.

The housing is machined aluminum with a steel drive gear, and the mechanical/vacuum advance is tuned for carbureted street and performance driving. This distributor is built for standard carbureted Windsor applications and will not fit 351W engines. It requires a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator; it is not compatible with generator-based charging systems or vehicles still running an active ballast resistor in the ignition circuit — the resistor should be removed or bypassed as part of installation.

What Is an HEI Distributor?
HEI (High Energy Ignition) replaces the external coil and breaker points used in factory Ford Windsor ignition systems with a magnetic trigger and a high-output coil built directly into the distributor housing. Without points to wear or require periodic gap adjustment, timing holds more consistently, and this single unit replaces both the original distributor and ignition coil.

Performance Benefits
The 65,000-volt internal coil produces stronger spark output than a factory points-style distributor, supporting more consistent spark delivery across the RPM range in street and performance applications. The magnetic trigger holds timing accurately without the point wear and drift common to older ignition systems. Mechanical and vacuum advance are both included, with a vacuum advance adjustment tool in the box so the timing curve can be tuned for the specific engine and driving conditions.

Do I need an external ignition box with this distributor?
No. This distributor features an integrated 65,000-volt ignition coil and internal ignition module, so no separate ignition box or external coil is required. Installation requires only a switched 12-volt power connection.

Will this fit a 351 Windsor?
No. This distributor is designed for the Ford 221, 260, 289, and 302 Windsor small block V8 engines only. It is not compatible with 351 Windsor (351W) applications.

What direction does the rotor turn on this distributor?
Counterclockwise, viewed from above, which is the standard rotation direction for the Ford Windsor small block V8 family.

What type of distributor gear is included, and does it matter for my camshaft?
This distributor includes a steel distributor gear, which is best suited for cast iron hydraulic or solid flat-tappet camshafts. If your engine uses a roller or other specialty camshaft, verify the recommended distributor gear material with your camshaft manufacturer before installation.

Can I run this on a generator-equipped or ballast resistor ignition system?
No. This distributor requires a 12-volt electrical system with a charging alternator. It is not compatible with generator-equipped vehicles or ballast resistor ignition circuits.

What type of advance system does this distributor use?
This distributor uses both mechanical (centrifugal) advance and vacuum advance. A vacuum advance adjustment tool is included, allowing you to fine-tune the ignition timing curve for street or performance applications.