Chevy Corvette V8 Pro Series Ready to Run Distributor with Mechanical Tach Drive

The TSP Pro Series Ready-to-Run Distributor for the Chevy Corvette with Mechanical Tach Drive combines the advance tunability of the Pro Series design with the mechanical tachometer drive provision required for cable-driven tachometers found in the Corvette C2 (1963–1967) and Corvette C3 (1968–1982). Engine fitment covers the complete Gen. I Chevrolet small block — 262, 265, 267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350, and 400 CID — and the standard-deck Mark IV big block — 396, 402, 427, and 454 CID — in carbureted applications.

The mechanical tach drive is required for cable-driven tachometers. If your vehicle uses an electronic tachometer signal rather than a physical tachometer cable, the standard TSP Chevy Pro Series distributor (without tach drive) is the correct and less expensive choice. Verify your tachometer type before ordering.

Unlike the TSP Corvette HEI tach drive distributor (JM6515), the Pro Series uses an external ignition coil — giving you the flexibility to select a coil matched to your build — while the internal module eliminates the need for a separate ignition box or CDI unit. Three advance bushings and four advance springs are included, allowing the mechanical advance curve to be tuned for your specific engine combination. A vacuum advance block-off plate is included for performance builds where full mechanical advance control is preferred. Both a tachometer output extension cable and the mechanical tach drive provision are included — the output cable for electronic tach wiring and the mechanical drive for cable-driven tachometer instruments.

Whether building a restored C2 427 with its original cable tach, refreshing a C3 350 Corvette, or running the Pro Series in a Camaro, Chevelle, or other GM application equipped with a cable-driven mechanical tachometer, this distributor provides the advance tunability and tach drive compatibility that neither a standard HEI nor a standard Pro Series unit alone can deliver.

 

Who Needs This Distributor — HEI Tach Drive vs. Pro Series Tach Drive
TSP offers two mechanical tach drive distributors for the Chevy SBC and BBC. This Pro Series version (JM7715) and the HEI version (JM6515) both include the mechanical tach drive provision for cable-driven tachometers. The difference is in ignition system design and advance flexibility.

The HEI version (JM6515) integrates the coil directly into the cap and connects to a single 12V wire — simpler installation, lower cost, no external coil needed. This Pro Series version requires an external ignition coil (35,000V minimum, not included) but adds genuine advance curve tunability through the three-bushing and four-spring advance kit. It also includes a vacuum advance block-off plate for performance builds and a tachometer output extension cable in addition to the mechanical tach drive.
Choose the HEI version for a straight ignition upgrade on a stock or lightly modified Corvette. Choose this Pro Series version for a modified build where the mechanical advance curve needs to match your camshaft, compression ratio, and carburetor calibration — and where the cable-driven tach is a requirement.

Mechanical Tach Drive — Cable Tachometer Compatibility
The mechanical tach drive is a cable connection on the distributor housing that drives a cable-driven tachometer gauge — the type used as standard equipment in the Corvette C2 (1963–1967) and Corvette C3 (1968–1982) instrument clusters. Without this provision, a cable-driven tachometer has no signal source and will not operate. If your vehicle uses a wire-connected electronic tachometer, you do not need this unit — the standard Pro Series distributor (without tach drive) is the correct choice.

Performance Benefit
The circuit board module and magnetic pickup trigger deliver precise, repeatable spark timing without the wear and drift of points-based ignition systems. The included advance bushings and springs allow the mechanical advance curve to be customized for your specific Corvette or other Chevy V8 build. A vacuum advance block-off plate is included for race and dedicated performance builds running full mechanical advance control only.

COMPATIBLE WITH
CHEVROLET SMALL BLOCK V8 GEN. I 
• 4.3 L / 262 in3 
• 4.3 L / 265 in3 
• 4.4 L / 267 in3 
• 4.6 L / 283 in3 
• 4.9 L / 302 in3 
• 5.0 L / 305 in3 
• 5.0 L / 307 in3 
• 5.4 L / 327 in3 
• 5.7 L / 350 in3 
• 6.6 L / 400 in3

CHEVROLET BIG BLOCK V8 GEN. II (MARK IV) — STANDARD DECK ONLY
• 6.5 L / 396 in3 
• 6.6 L / 402 in3 
• 7.0 L / 427 in3
• 7.4 L / 454 in3

NOTES
• Fits Chevrolet Gen. I small block and Gen. II (Mark IV) standard deck big block V8 engines.
• Includes mechanical tach drive provision for cable-driven tachometers.
• Designed exclusively for Corvette applications using a cable-driven mechanical tachometer.
• Not compatible with Camaro, Chevelle, Nova, Impala, or truck applications — those vehicles do not use mechanical tach drive distributors.
• Not compatible with tall deck big block engines (366ci, tall deck 427ci truck engines).
• Not compatible with engines using a governor.
• Distributor gear is most compatible with cast iron hydraulic or solid flat tappet camshafts; consult cam manufacturer for recommended gear material.
• 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.

COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
Chevrolet Corvette C1 (1953–1962)
Chevrolet Corvette C2 (1963–1967)
Chevrolet Corvette C3 (1968–1982)

SPECIFICATIONS
Trigger Type: Circuit Board Module with Magnetic Pick-Up
Distributor Rotation: Clockwise
Advance Type: Mechanical And Vacuum
Cap Color: Available in Red, Black
Terminal Gender: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: Yes
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