Ford 351W V8 HEI Distributor

Upgrade your Ford 351 Windsor (351W) V8 ignition system 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, Bronco, F-Series, Torino, Ranchero, Cougar, and Montego applications.

This distributor is built specifically for the 5.8L/351 CID Windsor and will not fit 351 Cleveland (351C), 351 Modified (351M), or any other Windsor displacement (221, 260, 289, 302). 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 Ford 351W 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 351W. 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.

COMPATIBLE WITH
FORD SMALL BLOCK WINDSOR V8
• 5.8 L / 351 in³ (351W)

NOTES
• Designed for Ford 351 Windsor carbureted applications.
• Will not fit 351C (Cleveland) or 351M (Modified) engines — those are a different engine family.
• Will not fit any other Windsor displacements (221, 260, 289, 302).
• The 351W was produced with a carburetor through 1988; after 1988 all 351W engines were equipped with EFI and are not compatible with this distributor.
• 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
Ford Mustang (351W, 1969–1973)
Ford Fairlane (351W, 1969–1970)
Ford Torino (351W, 1969–1976)
Ford Ranchero (351W, 1969–1979)
Ford Galaxie (351W, 1969–1974)
Ford LTD (351W, 1969–1982)
Ford Thunderbird (351W, 1977–1979)
Ford Bronco (351W, 1969–1988)
Ford F-Series (351W, 1969–1988)
Ford E-Series / Econoline (351W, 1969–1988)
Mercury Cougar (351W, 1969–1973)
Mercury Montego (351W, 1969–1976)

SPECIFICATIONS
Distributor Type: HEI
Engine Platform: Ford Small Block Windsor V8
Trigger Type: Magnetic
Rotation Direction: Counterclockwise
Advance Type: Mechanical and Vacuum
Cap Color: Available in Black, Blue, Red, Clear
Terminal Gender: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: No
Slip Collar: No
Coil Included: Yes
Coil Type: Internal
Coil Output: 65,000 V
Gear Material: Steel
Housing Material: Machined Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 8
Vacuum Advance Adjustment Tool: Included
Installation Instructions: Included
Voltage Requirement: 12 V electrical system with alternator