Pontiac V8 Ready to Run Distributor
Pontiac V8 Ready to Run Distributor
SKU: SKU: JM6704R
In stock
Product Downloads
Product Details
Features
- Onboard ignition module — no separate ignition box required
- External-coil design supports 35,000V+ coils for more spark energy
- Direct fit for Pontiac V8: 301/326/350/389/400/421/428/455
- Multi-pole Hall-effect trigger holds accurate timing across the RPM range
Description
Upgrade your Pontiac V8 — 301, 326, 350, 389, 400, 421, 428, or 455 CID — with this Ready-to-Run distributor, featuring an onboard electronic ignition module and a multi-pole Hall-effect trigger, so there's no separate ignition box to wire in, while the external-coil design keeps the flexibility to run a higher-output coil. This distributor supports GTO, Firebird, LeMans, Tempest, Grand Prix, Catalina, and Bonneville applications.
The housing is 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 and a coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher; 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 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. The coil stays external here, requiring a coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher.
Performance Benefits
The onboard electronic module and Hall-effect trigger replace factory points-style triggering, so timing holds steady without point wear or gap drift over time. Mechanical and vacuum advance are both included, allowing the timing curve to be tuned for carbureted street or performance driving on the Pontiac V8 family.
Specs
| Distributor Type | Ready to Run |
| Rotation Direction | Counterclockwise |
| Trigger Type | Multi-pole Reluctor (Hall Effect) |
| Advance Type | Mechanical and Vacuum |
| Cap Color | Available in Red, Blue, Black |
| Terminal Gender | Male |
| Mechanical Tach Drive | No |
| Slip Collar | No |
| Coil Included | No |
| Coil Type | External |
| Required Coil Output | 35,000+ Volts |
| Gear Material | Steel |
| Housing Material | Aluminum |
| Ignition Box Required | No |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Marine Use | No |
Engine Fitment
COMPATIBLE WITH
PONTIAC V8
• 4.9 L / 301 in³ (1977-1979)
• 5.3 L / 326 in³
• 5.7 L / 350 in³ (1968-1977)
• 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.
• Requires an external coil with a minimum output of 35,000V — no separate ignition box required.
• This distributor is designed for a 12 volt electrical system with an alternator and a performance ignition coil of 35,000 V or more.
• 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 Phoenix (301, 1977–1979)
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)
Q&A
Does this distributor fit a Pontiac 301?
Yes. This distributor fits 1977–1979 Pontiac 301 V8 applications. Because the 301 was produced in several configurations, verify your engine and original distributor before ordering to ensure compatibility.
Do I need a separate ignition box with this distributor?
No. The ignition control module is built into the distributor housing, so no external ignition box or CDI unit is required.
Does this distributor include a coil?
No. This is an external-coil Ready-to-Run distributor and requires an ignition coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher, which is sold separately.
What direction does the rotor turn on this distributor?
Counterclockwise, viewed from above, matching the standard rotation direction of the Pontiac V8 engine family.
What 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."
Pontiac V8 Ready to Run Distributor
Upgrade your Pontiac V8 — 301, 326, 350, 389, 400, 421, 428, or 455 CID — with this Ready-to-Run distributor, featuring an onboard electronic ignition module and a multi-pole Hall-effect trigger, so there's no separate ignition box to wire in, while the external-coil design keeps the flexibility to run a higher-output coil. This distributor supports GTO, Firebird, LeMans, Tempest, Grand Prix, Catalina, and Bonneville applications.
The housing is 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 and a coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher; 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 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. The coil stays external here, requiring a coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher.
Performance Benefits
The onboard electronic module and Hall-effect trigger replace factory points-style triggering, so timing holds steady without point wear or gap drift over time. Mechanical and vacuum advance are both included, allowing the timing curve to be tuned for carbureted street or performance driving on the Pontiac V8 family.
COMPATIBLE WITH
PONTIAC V8
• 4.9 L / 301 in³ (1977-1979)
• 5.3 L / 326 in³
• 5.7 L / 350 in³ (1968-1977)
• 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.
• Requires an external coil with a minimum output of 35,000V — no separate ignition box required.
• This distributor is designed for a 12 volt electrical system with an alternator and a performance ignition coil of 35,000 V or more.
• 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 Phoenix (301, 1977–1979)
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)
SPECIFICATIONS
Distributor Type: Ready to Run
Rotation Direction: Counterclockwise
Trigger Type: Multi-pole Reluctor (Hall Effect)
Advance Type: Mechanical and Vacuum
Cap Color: Available in Red, Blue, Black
Terminal Gender: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: No
Slip Collar: No
Coil Included: No
Coil Type: External
Required Coil Output: 35,000+ Volts
Gear Material: Steel
Housing Material: Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Cylinders: 8
Marine Use: No
