AMC/Jeep 290-401 V8 HEI Distributor

• Fits AMC V8 290, 304, 343, 360, 390 & 401 — No ignition box or external coil needed

• 65,000-Volt integrated HEI coil — single 12V wire installation

• Adjustable mechanical and vacuum advance — vacuum adjustment tool included

• Machined aluminum housing, hardened steel dual-bushing construction

The TSP HEI Distributor for AMC V8 engines brings the entire ignition system into a single self-contained large-cap unit — coil, ignition module, cap, and rotor combined — purpose-built for the full family of AMC V8 engines from the 290 CID through the 401 CID. Compatible with all carbureted AMC and Jeep V8 applications including the 290 (4.8L), 304 (5.0L), 343 (5.6L), 360 (5.9L), 390 (6.4L), and 401 (6.6L), this is a straightforward ignition upgrade that eliminates points, condenser, and external coil wiring in a single installation.

The 65,000-volt internal HEI coil delivers substantially stronger spark energy than a factory points-style distributor, supporting easier cold starts, cleaner idle quality, and improved throttle response across the RPM range. A magnetic pickup trigger replaces the mechanical points contact, holding timing more accurately and requiring no routine maintenance. The machined aluminum housing and hardened steel dual-bushing construction are built for the demands of street, restoration, off-road, and performance carbureted builds.

Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, with a vacuum advance adjustment tool shipped with the distributor to allow tuning of the vacuum advance curve for your specific application. Installation connects to a single 12-volt source — no external ignition coil, no ignition box, no points or condenser required. Whether you're refreshing a Javelin or AMX, rebuilding an Ambassador or Matador, restoring a Jeep CJ-7 304, or upgrading a Grand Wagoneer 360 or 401, this HEI distributor delivers reliable ignition performance with minimal wiring complexity.

Important: Designed for carbureted ignition systems only. Not compatible with AMC or Jeep inline-six engines. Requires a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator. Not compatible with 6-volt systems, generators, or ballast resistors. Steel distributor gear — verify compatibility with your camshaft material before installation.

Why Upgrade to HEI on Your AMC or Jeep V8?
The factory points-style distributor on AMC V8 engines was engineered to conservative timing specs with limited spark output. Points wear over time, timing drifts, and performance degrades between service intervals — problems that are amplified on performance builds or engines with high-compression pistons or aggressive camshafts. A High Energy Ignition distributor replaces the entire points and condenser system with an integrated coil, module, and magnetic trigger in one sealed unit. The result is stronger spark, more accurate timing, and a system that requires no routine contact maintenance over the life of the engine.

Performance Benefit
With 65,000 volts of integrated coil output and a magnetic pickup trigger, this HEI distributor fires spark plugs more reliably than a stock points setup across the full RPM range. Stronger, more consistent spark translates directly to easier cold starts, cleaner idle quality, and improved throttle response — especially noticeable on carbureted AMC V8 builds running aftermarket carburetors or performance camshafts. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, and the vacuum advance adjustment tool allows you to tune the vacuum advance curve to match your engine combination and driving conditions.

What AMC V8 engines does this HEI distributor fit?
This distributor fits all AMC V8 engines including the 290 CID (4.8L), 304 CID (5.0L), 343 CID (5.6L), 360 CID (5.9L), 390 CID (6.4L), and 401 CID (6.6L). Supported vehicles include the AMC Javelin, AMX, Ambassador, Rebel, Matador, Gremlin, Hornet, Spirit, Concord, Eagle, Jeep CJ-5 and CJ-7 with 304 V8, Jeep J-10 and J-20, Jeep Wagoneer SJ, and Grand Wagoneer. This distributor is designed for carbureted AMC V8 applications only and is not compatible with AMC or Jeep inline-six engines.

What is the difference between this HEI distributor and the TSP Pro Series Ready-to-Run?
The HEI distributor integrates the ignition coil directly into the distributor cap — no external coil is required, and installation connects to a single 12-volt wire. The Pro Series Ready-to-Run uses an external coil (not included, 35,000V minimum required) but ships with three advance bushings, four advance springs, a vacuum advance block-off plate, and a tachometer output cable for greater advance curve tunability. The HEI is the simpler, lower-cost option for street and restoration builds. The Pro Series is the better choice for performance builds where advance curve tuning and tachometer output are priorities.

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 ignition control module?
No. The HEI design integrates the ignition control module internally. No external ignition box, CDI unit, points, or condenser is required.

What is the coil output voltage on this distributor?
This distributor produces 65,000 volts of coil output. This is significantly higher than a factory points-style distributor and provides stronger, more consistent spark for improved cold starts, idle quality, and throttle response across the RPM range.

Does this distributor have a tachometer output?
No. This distributor does not include a tachometer output. If a tachometer output signal is required for your build, the TSP Pro Series Ready-to-Run distributor includes a tachometer output extension cable.

Does this distributor work with a mechanical tachometer?
No. This distributor does not include a mechanical tachometer drive. Vehicles using a mechanical tach will require an electronic tachometer or a compatible electronic tach signal adapter.

What type of advance does this distributor use?
This distributor uses both mechanical (centrifugal) advance and vacuum advance. Mechanical advance increases ignition timing as engine RPM rises. Vacuum advance adds additional timing under light throttle and cruise conditions, improving efficiency and throttle response. A vacuum advance adjustment tool is included to allow tuning of the vacuum advance curve for your specific engine and driving conditions.

What type of distributor gear is included, and does it matter?
This distributor includes a steel distributor gear. Steel gears are compatible with cast iron camshafts and most aftermarket steel camshafts. If your engine has been upgraded to a roller camshaft with a bronze or softer alloy cam gear, verify gear compatibility before installation — a mismatched gear and cam material combination will cause accelerated wear on both components.

Do I need to set ignition timing after installing this distributor?
Yes. Base ignition timing must be set with a timing light after installation. Optimal timing varies depending on your engine's compression ratio, camshaft profile, and carburetor tune. For most carbureted AMC V8 applications, a starting base timing of 8–12 degrees BTDC at idle is a common reference point, though your specific build may require adjustment from there.

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

Will this fit a Jeep Cherokee XJ?
No. The Jeep Cherokee XJ was never produced with an AMC V8 engine. The XJ used a 4.0L inline-six or 2.5L four-cylinder and is not compatible with this distributor. For carbureted AMC and Jeep inline-six ignition upgrades, see the TSP HEI Distributor for AMC/Jeep 232-258 inline-six engines.