Chevy 262 (4.3L) V6 HEI Distributor

The TSP HEI Distributor for the GM 90° V6 is a self-contained large-cap HEI ignition upgrade for the Chevrolet 4.3L (262 CID) 90-degree V6 in carbureted applications only. The integrated HEI design combines the ignition coil, ignition module, cap, and rotor into a single unit, connecting to a single 12-volt source with no external coil, ignition box, or condenser required.

Verify your ignition system before ordering. The 4.3L V6 was produced with a carburetor from approximately 1985 through 1987 in most applications, before transitioning to Throttle Body Injection (TBI) EFI. This distributor is designed for the carbureted HEI ignition system only and is not compatible with TBI, CMFI, EFI, Vortec, or any computer-controlled ignition system. If your vehicle uses fuel injection of any type, this distributor is not the correct unit.

Verify your V6 engine family before ordering. The GM 90° V6 (small-block-based, 262 CID) is a distinct engine from the GM 60° V6 family (2.8L, 3.1L, 3.4L). These two V6 families require different distributors and are not interchangeable. If your engine is a 2.8L, 3.1L, or 3.4L 60° V6, this distributor is not compatible.

The 65,000-volt internal HEI coil delivers stronger, more consistent spark than a factory points-style or worn stock HEI distributor, supporting easier cold starts, cleaner idle quality, and more consistent ignition performance. A magnetic pickup trigger requires no routine maintenance. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, with a vacuum advance adjustment tool shipped with the distributor.

 

GM 90° V6 vs. GM 60° V6 — Which Engine Do You Have?
Two completely different GM V6 engine families were used in similar vehicles during the 1980s and 1990s. The GM 90° V6 (also called the "Odd-Fire" and later "Even-Fire" V6 in earlier incarnations) is derived from the Chevrolet small block V8 architecture and displaces 262 CID (4.3L) in its primary truck/SUV/van application. The GM 60° V6 is a separate, narrower-angle design used in front-wheel-drive and some rear-wheel-drive passenger car applications — 2.8L, 3.1L, and 3.4L. These two families require different distributors entirely. Verify your engine by checking the displacement on your intake manifold or VIN decode before ordering.

Carbureted vs. EFI — What Ignition System Does Your Vehicle Have?
The 4.3L (262 CID) V6 was produced with a Rochester carburetor from approximately 1985 through 1987 in most light truck and van applications. Beginning in approximately 1988, most 4.3L V6 applications transitioned to GM Throttle Body Injection (TBI) — a fuel injection system that also changed the distributor design to one controlled by the engine computer. This HEI distributor is designed for the pre-EFI carbureted ignition system only. If your vehicle uses TBI, CMFI, Vortec, or any other form of fuel injection, this distributor will not function correctly in your ignition system.

Performance Benefit
The 65,000-volt internal HEI coil fires spark plugs more consistently than a stock or aging factory distributor across the full RPM range, translating to improved cold starts, idle stability, and throttle response. The magnetic pickup trigger holds timing accurately without the wear and drift that accumulates in points-based systems. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, and the vacuum advance adjustment tool allows the curve to be tuned for your specific combination.

COMPATIBLE WITH
CHEVROLET 90° V6 (SMALL BLOCK–BASED)
• 3.3L / 200 in³
• 3.8L / 229 in³
• 4.3L / 262 in³

NOTES
• Fits GM 90° V6 engines (200, 229, and carbureted 262ci) based on small block Chevy architecture.
• The 4.3L 262ci was carbureted only in 1985 full-size C/K trucks and G-Series vans; all S-10/S-15 4.3L applications were TBI and are not compatible.
• Not compatible with GM 60° V6 engines (2.8L, 3.1L, 3.4L).
• Not compatible with EFI, TBI, or Vortec distributor systems or computer-controlled ignition.
• 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 compatibility should be verified with camshaft material prior to installation.

COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
Chevrolet Malibu (200ci, 1978–1983; 229ci, 1980–1983)
Chevrolet Monte Carlo (200ci, 1978–1979; 229ci, 1980–1984)
Chevrolet El Camino (200ci, 1978–1983; 229ci, 1980–1983)
Chevrolet Camaro (229ci, 1980–1981)
Chevrolet C/K Full-Size Trucks (229ci, 1980–1984; 262ci carbureted, 1985)
Chevrolet G-Series Van (229ci, 1980–1984; 262ci carbureted, 1985)
GMC C/K Full-Size Trucks (229ci, 1980–1984; 262ci carbureted, 1985)
GMC G-Series Van (229ci, 1980–1984; 262ci carbureted, 1985)

SPECIFICATIONS
Trigger Type: Magnetic
Advance Type: Mechanical And Vacuum
Color: Available in Red, Blue, Black
Terminal Gender: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: No
Slip Collar: No
Coil Included: Yes
Coil Type: Internal
Coil Output: 65000 V
Gear Material: Steel
Housing Material: Machined Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 6
Vacuum Advance Adjustment Tool: Included
Installation Instructions: Included