• Top Street Performance Pontiac V8 HEI Distributor - front view - for street and performance builds
  • Top Street Performance Pontiac V8 HEI Distributor - for street and performance builds
  • Top Street Performance Pontiac V8 HEI Distributor - side view - for street and performance builds
  • Top Street Performance Pontiac V8 HEI Distributor - close-up - for street and performance builds
  • Top Street Performance Pontiac V8 HEI Distributor - installed on the engine - for street and performance builds
  • Top Street Performance Pontiac V8 HEI Distributor - detail view - for street and performance builds
1 6
Top Street Performance

Pontiac V8 HEI Distributor

Pontiac V8 HEI Distributor

SKU: JM6504R

$97.22
$97.22 $110.48
Shipping calculated at checkout.

In stock

Top Street Performance (TSP) is committed to providing high-quality performance parts while complying with emissions regulations. This product is designed for use on vehicles that comply with federal emissions regulations. It is the customer’s responsibility to verify that this part is legal for use in their state or local jurisdiction. Check with your local emissions authority before purchasing.

Product Details

Features

  • Self-contained HEI ignition with internal 65,000V coil, no external coil needed
  • One-wire hookup — no external ignition box required
  • Direct fit for Pontiac V8: 301/326/350/389/400/421/428/455
  • Machined aluminum housing with included vacuum advance tool

Description

Upgrade your Pontiac V8 — 301, 326, 350, 389, 400, 421, 428, or 455 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. This distributor supports GTO, Firebird, LeMans, Tempest, Grand Prix, Catalina, and Bonneville applications.

The housing is machined aluminum with a steel drive gear best matched to cast iron hydraulic or solid flat-tappet camshafts, and rotation is counterclockwise. 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.


What Is an HEI Distributor?
HEI (High Energy Ignition) replaces the external coil and breaker points used in factory Pontiac 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 on the Pontiac V8 family. 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.

Specs

Distributor Type HEI
Trigger Type Magnetic
Advance Type Mechanical and Vacuum
Rotation Direction Counterclockwise
Cap Color Available in Red, Blue, Black, Clear
Terminal Gender Male
Mechanical Tach Drive No
Slip Collar No
Coil Included Yes
Coil Type Internal
Required Coil Output 65,000+ Volts
Gear Material Steel
Housing Material Machined Aluminum
Ignition Box Required No
Cylinders 8
Marine Use No
Included Vacuum Advance Adjustment Tool
Installation Instructions

Engine Fitment

COMPATIBLE WITH
PONTIAC V8
• 4.9 L / 301 in³ (1977-1979)
• 5.3 L / 326 in³
• 5.7 L / 350 in³
• 6.4 L / 389 in³
• 6.6 L / 400 in³
• 6.9 L / 421 in³
• 7.0 L / 428 in³
• 7.5 L / 455 in³

NOTES
• Designed for traditional Pontiac V8 carbureted applications.
• The 301 uses a redesigned lightweight block with clockwise rotor rotation — verify distributor compatibility before installation on 301 applications.
• Not compatible with Chevrolet, Buick, or Oldsmobile V8 engines that were optionally installed in Pontiac vehicles — this distributor fits Pontiac-built engines only.
• Designed for carbureted applications only.
• This distributor is designed for a 12 volt electrical system with an alternator.
• It is not compatible with a generator and cannot be used with a ballast resistor.
• Distributor gear is most compatible with cast iron hydraulic or solid flat tappet camshafts; consult camshaft manufacturer for recommended gear material before installation.

COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
Pontiac Tempest / LeMans (326/350/400/455, 1964–1977)
Pontiac GTO (389/400/421/428/455, 1964–1974)
Pontiac Firebird / Trans Am (326/350/400/428/455, 1967–1979)
Pontiac Grand Prix (389/400/421/428/455, 1962–1979)
Pontiac Catalina (389/400/421/428/455, 1961–1979)
Pontiac Bonneville (389/400/421/428/455, 1961–1979)
Pontiac Star Chief / Executive (389/400/421/428/455, 1961–1970)
Pontiac Safari (400/428/455, 1961–1977)
Pontiac Grand Am (400/455, 1973–1975)
Pontiac Ventura (350, 1973–1977)
Pontiac Phoenix (301/350, 1977–1979)

Q&A

Do I need an external ignition box with this distributor?
No. This HEI distributor features a high-output 65,000-volt internal ignition coil and an integrated ignition module. It uses a simple one-wire hookup and does not require an external ignition box or external coil.

What direction does the rotor turn on this distributor?
Counterclockwise, viewed from above, matching the standard rotation direction of the Pontiac V8 engine family.

Does this fit the 301 or 350 in all model years?
No. The Pontiac 301 V8 is supported for 1977–1979 applications, while the Pontiac 350 V8 is supported for 1968–1977 applications. Other compatible Pontiac V8 engines, including the 326, 389, 400, 421, 428, and 455, are not restricted by year within the listed fitment.

Can I run this on a generator-charged or ballast-resistor-equipped Pontiac?
No. This distributor requires a 12-volt electrical system with a charging alternator. It is not compatible with generator-equipped vehicles or ignition systems that use an active ballast resistor.

What type of distributor gear is included, and will it work with 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.

Emissions Notice

This Top Street Performance (TSP) product is designed for racing and off-road competition use only. It is not legal for use on public roads or emissions-controlled vehicles and does not comply with federal, state, or local emissions regulations. The buyer assumes all responsibility for legal use and installation.

What is a Emissions-Controlled Vehicle?
"An emissions-controlled vehicle is any vehicle equipped with a factory-installed emissions control system designed to reduce air pollution. These systems include catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valves, and diesel particulate filters (DPF). Most vehicles manufactured after 1975 are considered emissions-controlled and must comply with federal and state emissions laws when used on public roads."