Ford SB 289/302 V8 Ready to Run Distributor

• Onboard ignition module — no separate ignition box required

• Ready-to-run design keeps external coil flexibility for higher output

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

• Hall-effect trigger holds accurate timing across the RPM range

Upgrade your Ford small block Windsor V8 — 221, 260, 289, or 302 CID — with this ready-to-run distributor featuring an onboard electronic ignition module and a multi-pole Hall-effect trigger. Because the ignition control is built into the distributor, there's no separate ignition box to wire in, while the external-coil design keeps the flexibility to run a higher-output coil for street or performance builds.

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 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. Not intended for Ford 351W applications.

What Is a Ready-to-Run (RTR) Distributor?
An RTR distributor has the ignition control module built directly into the housing, so it fires off a single 12-volt source without needing a separate ignition box wired into the circuit. This unit pairs that onboard module with a multi-pole Hall-effect trigger instead of factory breaker points, so there's no point gap to wear or adjust over time. Unlike an HEI-style distributor, the coil stays external here, giving the option to run a higher-output coil than the 35,000-volt minimum required.

Performance Benefits
The onboard electronic module and multi-pole Hall-effect trigger replace factory points-style triggering, so timing holds steady without point wear or gap drift over time. Keeping the coil external gives the option to step up to a higher-output coil than the 35,000-volt minimum if the build calls for more spark energy. Mechanical and vacuum advance are both included, allowing the timing curve to be tuned for carbureted street or performance driving.

Does this distributor include a coil?
No. This is a Ready-to-Run distributor with an external coil design and requires an ignition coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher, which is not included.

Do I still need a separate ignition box with this distributor?
No. The ignition control module is integrated into the distributor housing, so no external ignition box, CDI unit, points, or condenser is required.

What's the difference between this distributor and an HEI-style distributor?
This Ready-to-Run distributor uses an external ignition coil and a Hall-effect trigger with an integrated ignition module. An HEI distributor has the ignition coil built into the distributor cap. Both eliminate the need for a separate ignition box, but this design offers greater flexibility in external coil selection.

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

Can I run this with a factory ballast resistor still in the circuit?
No. The ballast resistor must be removed or bypassed. This distributor requires a 12-volt electrical system with a charging alternator and is not compatible with ballast resistor ignition circuits.

What type of trigger does this distributor use?
It uses a multi-pole reluctor with Hall-effect sensing, providing precise ignition timing and stable spark output throughout the engine's RPM range.

What distributor gear is included, and does it matter for my camshaft?
This distributor includes a steel distributor gear that is most compatible with cast iron hydraulic and solid flat tappet camshafts. If your engine uses a roller or specialty camshaft, consult your camshaft manufacturer for the recommended distributor gear material before installation.