Ford SB 289/302 V8 Ready to Run Distributor

Upgrade your Ford small block Windsor V8 — 221, 260, 289, or 302 CID — with this ready-to-run distributor featuring an onboard electronic ignition module and a multi-pole Hall-effect trigger. Because the ignition control is built into the distributor, 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.

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. Not intended for Ford 351W applications.

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. Unlike an HEI-style distributor, the coil stays external here, giving the option to run a higher-output coil than the 35,000-volt minimum required.

Performance Benefits
The onboard electronic module and multi-pole Hall-effect trigger replace factory points-style triggering, so timing holds steady without point wear or gap drift over time. Keeping the coil external gives the option to step up to 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.

COMPATIBLE WITH
FORD SMALL BLOCK WINDSOR V8
• 3.6 L / 221 in³
• 4.3 L / 260 in³
• 4.7 L / 289 in³
• 5.0 L / 302 in³

NOTES
• Designed for Ford small block Windsor 221, 260, 289, and 302 carbureted applications.
• Will not fit Ford 351W applications.
• Not intended for EFI-equipped 302 engines — see the Ford 5.0L EFI-to-Carb Conversion HEI Distributor for those applications.
• 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 Fairlane (221/260/289/302, 1962–1970)
Ford Mustang (260/289/302, 1964–1985)
Ford Falcon (221/260/289, 1962–1970)
Ford Bronco (289/302, 1966–1985)
Ford F-Series (289/302, 1965–1985)
Ford Torino (302, 1968–1974)
Ford Maverick (302, 1971–1977)
Ford Ranchero (260/289/302, 1963–1979)
Mercury Cougar (289/302, 1967–1968)
Mercury Comet (260/289, 1963–1969)

SPECIFICATIONS
Distributor Type: Ready to Run
Rotation Direction: Counterclockwise
Trigger Type: Multi-Pole Reluctor (Halls Effect)
Advance Type: Mechanical and Vacuum
Color: Available in Black, Blue, Red
Terminal Gender: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: No
Slip Collar: No
Coil Included: No
Coil Type: External
Gear Material: Steel
Housing Material: Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 8
Required Coil Output: 35,000+ V
Voltage Requirement: 12 V electrical system with alternator