AMC/Jeep 290-401 V8 Pro Series Ready to Run Distributor
The TSP Pro Series Ready-to-Run Distributor for AMC V8 engines delivers precise ignition timing and dependable spark performance across the full family of AMC big- and small-block V8 applications — 290, 304, 343, 360, 390, and 401 cubic inch engines. Built around a circuit board module with magnetic pickup trigger, this distributor provides accurate and repeatable ignition timing without the need for a separate ignition control box or CDI unit.
Unlike an HEI design, the Pro Series Ready-to-Run uses an external ignition coil, giving you the flexibility to run a coil matched to your specific build. The magnetic pickup trigger eliminates points and condenser wear, holding timing more accurately over time than a factory points-style distributor. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, and the kit ships with three advance bushings and four advance springs, allowing the mechanical advance curve to be tuned for your engine combination, cam profile, and compression ratio. A vacuum advance block-off plate is also included for race and performance builds where vacuum advance is not desired.
A tachometer output extension cable is included, making it straightforward to wire an aftermarket tachometer without additional adapters. Whether you're building an AMC 360 street machine, refreshing a Javelin or AMX with a 390 or 401, or upgrading the ignition on a Jeep Wagoneer SJ or J-Series truck, this distributor is engineered for carbureted AMC V8 applications where tuning flexibility and long-term reliability matter.
Important: This distributor requires an external ignition coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher. Coil is not included. Designed for carbureted ignition systems only. Requires a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator. Not compatible with 6-volt systems, generators, or ballast resistors. Steel distributor gear — verify compatibility with your camshaft material before installation.
Why Choose a Pro Series Ready-to-Run Over a Stock Points Distributor?
The factory points distributor on AMC V8 engines requires regular maintenance — points wear, timing drifts, and performance degrades between service intervals. A Ready-to-Run distributor replaces the entire points and condenser system with a circuit board module and magnetic pickup trigger that requires no routine maintenance and holds ignition timing accurately over the life of the engine. The result is consistent spark delivery, improved cold starts, and more predictable timing behavior whether you're driving a restored muscle car or a trail-built Jeep.
Performance Benefit
The Pro Series design gives you genuine tuning control over the mechanical advance curve. With three advance bushings and four advance springs included, you can dial in how quickly timing advances with rising RPM — a feature that matters on performance builds running aftermarket camshafts, higher compression, or modified carburetors. A vacuum advance block-off plate is included for builds where vacuum advance is not wanted, such as dedicated performance and racing applications. The tachometer output extension cable simplifies wiring an aftermarket tach to your build without needing a separate adapter.
COMPATIBLE WITH
AMC / JEEP V8
• 4.8L / 290 in³
• 5.0L / 304 in³
• 5.6L / 343 in³
• 5.9L / 360 in³
• 6.4L / 390 in³
• 6.6L / 401 in³
NOTES
• Designed for AMC and Jeep V8 290, 304, 343, 360, 390, and 401 applications.
• Designed for carbureted ignition systems only.
• Not compatible with AMC or Jeep inline-six 232, 242, or 258 engines.
• 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.
• Verify distributor gear compatibility with camshaft material before installation.
COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
AMC Javelin / AMX
AMC Rebel / Matador
AMC Ambassador
AMC Gremlin
AMC Hornet
AMC Concord
AMC Spirit
Jeep CJ Series (CJ-5, CJ-7; 304 V8 only)
Jeep J-Series Trucks (J-10, J-20)
Jeep Cherokee SJ (full-size, 1974–1983)
Jeep Wagoneer SJ / Grand Wagoneer
SPECIFICATIONS
Trigger Type: Circuit Board Module With Magnetic Pick-Up
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
Required Coil Output: 35,000+ V
Gear Material: Steel
Housing Material: Machined Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 8
3 Bushings And 4 Springs for Mechanical Advance: Included
Color-Matched Spark Plug Wire Retainer with Screws: Included
Vacuum Advance Block-Off Plate (Black): Included
Power Extension Cable: Included
Tachometer Output Extension Cable: Included
Engine Platform: AMC / Jeep V8
Distributor Type: Pro Series Ready-to-Run Distributor
Voltage Requirement: 12 Volt
Application: Carbureted Engines
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
The TSP Pro Series Ready-to-Run Distributor for AMC V8 engines delivers precise ignition timing and dependable spark performance across the full family of AMC big- and small-block V8 applications — 290, 304, 343, 360, 390, and 401 cubic inch engines. Built around a circuit board module with magnetic pickup trigger, this distributor provides accurate and repeatable ignition timing without the need for a separate ignition control box or CDI unit.
Unlike an HEI design, the Pro Series Ready-to-Run uses an external ignition coil, giving you the flexibility to run a coil matched to your specific build. The magnetic pickup trigger eliminates points and condenser wear, holding timing more accurately over time than a factory points-style distributor. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, and the kit ships with three advance bushings and four advance springs, allowing the mechanical advance curve to be tuned for your engine combination, cam profile, and compression ratio. A vacuum advance block-off plate is also included for race and performance builds where vacuum advance is not desired.
A tachometer output extension cable is included, making it straightforward to wire an aftermarket tachometer without additional adapters. Whether you're building an AMC 360 street machine, refreshing a Javelin or AMX with a 390 or 401, or upgrading the ignition on a Jeep Wagoneer SJ or J-Series truck, this distributor is engineered for carbureted AMC V8 applications where tuning flexibility and long-term reliability matter.
Important: This distributor requires an external ignition coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher. Coil is not included. Designed for carbureted ignition systems only. Requires a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator. Not compatible with 6-volt systems, generators, or ballast resistors. Steel distributor gear — verify compatibility with your camshaft material before installation.
Why Choose a Pro Series Ready-to-Run Over a Stock Points Distributor?
The factory points distributor on AMC V8 engines requires regular maintenance — points wear, timing drifts, and performance degrades between service intervals. A Ready-to-Run distributor replaces the entire points and condenser system with a circuit board module and magnetic pickup trigger that requires no routine maintenance and holds ignition timing accurately over the life of the engine. The result is consistent spark delivery, improved cold starts, and more predictable timing behavior whether you're driving a restored muscle car or a trail-built Jeep.
Performance Benefit
The Pro Series design gives you genuine tuning control over the mechanical advance curve. With three advance bushings and four advance springs included, you can dial in how quickly timing advances with rising RPM — a feature that matters on performance builds running aftermarket camshafts, higher compression, or modified carburetors. A vacuum advance block-off plate is included for builds where vacuum advance is not wanted, such as dedicated performance and racing applications. The tachometer output extension cable simplifies wiring an aftermarket tach to your build without needing a separate adapter.
COMPATIBLE WITH
AMC / JEEP V8
• 4.8L / 290 in³
• 5.0L / 304 in³
• 5.6L / 343 in³
• 5.9L / 360 in³
• 6.4L / 390 in³
• 6.6L / 401 in³
NOTES
• Designed for AMC and Jeep V8 290, 304, 343, 360, 390, and 401 applications.
• Designed for carbureted ignition systems only.
• Not compatible with AMC or Jeep inline-six 232, 242, or 258 engines.
• 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.
• Verify distributor gear compatibility with camshaft material before installation.
COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
AMC Javelin / AMX
AMC Rebel / Matador
AMC Ambassador
AMC Gremlin
AMC Hornet
AMC Concord
AMC Spirit
Jeep CJ Series (CJ-5, CJ-7; 304 V8 only)
Jeep J-Series Trucks (J-10, J-20)
Jeep Cherokee SJ (full-size, 1974–1983)
Jeep Wagoneer SJ / Grand Wagoneer
SPECIFICATIONS
Trigger Type: Circuit Board Module With Magnetic Pick-Up
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
Required Coil Output: 35,000+ V
Gear Material: Steel
Housing Material: Machined Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 8
3 Bushings And 4 Springs for Mechanical Advance: Included
Color-Matched Spark Plug Wire Retainer with Screws: Included
Vacuum Advance Block-Off Plate (Black): Included
Power Extension Cable: Included
Tachometer Output Extension Cable: Included
Engine Platform: AMC / Jeep V8
Distributor Type: Pro Series Ready-to-Run Distributor
Voltage Requirement: 12 Volt
Application: Carbureted Engines
