Ford FE V8 HEI Distributor

Upgrade your Ford FE big block 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 Galaxie, Fairlane, Mustang, Thunderbird, F-Series, Cougar, and Comet applications running an FE engine.

This distributor is built for standard light-duty FE engines using a 1/4-inch oil pump/distributor shaft and will not fit heavy-duty FE/FT truck applications with a 5/16-inch shaft. The housing is machined aluminum with a steel drive gear, and the mechanical/vacuum advance is tuned for carbureted street and performance driving. 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 FE 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 FE distributor, supporting more consistent spark delivery across the RPM range in street and performance applications. 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 FE Big Block V8
• 5.4 L / 330 in³ (light-duty)
• 5.8 L / 352 in³
• 5.9 L / 360 in³
• 6.4 L / 390 in³
• 6.7 L / 406 in³
• 6.7 L / 410 in³ (Mercury only)
• 7.0 L / 427 in³
• 7.0 L / 428 in³

NOTES
• Designed for standard light-duty Ford FE passenger car engines using a ¼ in. oil pump/distributor shaft.
• Will not fit heavy-duty FE/FT truck applications with a 5/16 in. shaft.
• The 406 was produced in 1962–1963 only; the 410 was used exclusively in 1966–1967 Mercury vehicles.
• 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
Ford Galaxie (352/390/406/427/428, 1958–1971)
Ford Fairlane (390/427/428, 1966–1969)
Ford Torino (390/428, 1968–1971)
Ford Mustang (390/427/428, 1967–1970)
Ford Thunderbird (352/390/428, 1958–1971)
Ford Ranchero (390/428, 1967–1971)
Ford LTD (390/428, 1966–1971)
Ford F-Series (352/360/390, 1965–1976)
Mercury Monterey (352/390/428, 1958–1971)
Mercury Cougar (390/410/427/428, 1967–1970)
Mercury Cyclone (390/427/428, 1966–1969)
Mercury Montego (390/428, 1968–1969)

SPECIFICATIONS
Distributor Type: HEI
Engine Platform: Ford FE Big Block V8
Trigger Type: Magnetic
Rotation Direction: Counterclockwise
Advance Type: Mechanical and Vacuum
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
Voltage Requirement: 12 V electrical system with alternator
Vacuum Advance Adjustment Tool: Included
Installation Instructions: Included