Ford 351W V8 Pro Series Ready to Run Distributor

Upgrade your Ford 351 Windsor (351W) V8 with this Pro Series Ready-to-Run distributor, featuring an onboard circuit board ignition module paired with a magnetic pickup 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 for street or performance builds. This distributor supports Mustang, Bronco, F-Series, Torino, Ranchero, Cougar, and Montego applications.

This distributor is built specifically for the 351W 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 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 Pro Series unit pairs that onboard module with a circuit board ignition control and magnetic pickup trigger. The coil stays external here, requiring a coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher.

Performance Benefits
The circuit board module and magnetic pickup trigger hold timing steady without the wear and drift of a points-based system, and keeping the coil external allows the use of 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 on the 351W specifically.

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.
• 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
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: Pro Series Ready to Run
Trigger Type: Circuit board module with Magnetic Pickup
Advance Type: Mechanical And Vacuum
Rotation Direction: Counterclockwise
Cap Color: Black
Terminal Gender: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: No
Slip Collar: No
Coil Included: No
Coil Type: External
Required Coil Output: 35,000+ V
Gear Material: Steel
Housing Material: Machined Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 8
Voltage Requirement: 12 V electrical system with alternator