AMC/Jeep 232-258 L6 HEI Distributor

The TSP HEI Distributor for AMC and Jeep inline-six engines replaces your factory points-style or worn ignition distributor with a modern High Energy Ignition design that consolidates the coil, ignition module, and cap into one self-contained large-cap unit. Compatible with carbureted 232 CID (3.8L), 258 CID (4.2L), and carbureted-conversion 242 CID (4.0L) inline-six engines, this is one of the cleanest, most straightforward ignition upgrades available for AMC and Jeep I6 builds.

The self-contained HEI design connects to a single 12-volt source — no separate coil wiring, no external module, no points or condenser. The 65,000-volt coil output provides substantially stronger spark than a stock points distributor, helping improve cold-weather starting, idle quality, and throttle response — especially on engines running an aftermarket carburetor or a performance camshaft.

Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, giving you adjustable timing control suited for daily-driven and weekend street builds alike. Whether you're restoring a Jeep CJ-7 258, refreshing an AMC Eagle drivetrain, rebuilding a Wrangler YJ 4.2L, or converting a Cherokee XJ 4.0L to carburetion, this distributor installs with standard tools and ships with a vacuum advance adjustment tool and full installation instructions.

Important: This distributor is designed for carbureted ignition systems only. It is not compatible with factory EFI-controlled Jeep 4.0L ignition systems, including Renix-injected (1987–1990) and High Output EFI (1991+) applications. Steel distributor gear — verify compatibility with your camshaft material before installation.

 

Why Upgrade to HEI on Your AMC or Jeep Inline-Six?
The factory points-style distributor on most AMC and Jeep inline-six engines was engineered to conservative factory specs with limited spark output. Points wear over time, timing drifts, and voltage output degrades — all of which hurt drivability on a carbureted system. A High Energy Ignition distributor modernizes the entire ignition system by combining the coil, ignition module, and distributor cap into a single sealed unit with higher voltage output, a magnetic trigger that never wears like points, and a simplified wiring setup that holds timing more accurately over the life of the engine.

Performance Benefit
With 65,000 volts of coil output and a magnetic pickup trigger, this HEI distributor fires spark plugs more reliably than a stock points setup across the full RPM range. The result is more consistent combustion — translating to easier cold starts, cleaner idle quality, and improved throttle response under load. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, allowing timing to be tuned to your specific engine combination, compression ratio, and carburetor calibration. A vacuum advance adjustment tool is included to help dial in the vacuum curve for your application.

COMPATIBLE WITH
Carbureted AMC/Jeep 232, 258, and carbureted-conversion 4.0L inline-six engines. 
Not intended for factory EFI-controlled Jeep 4.0L ignition systems.
• 3.8L / 232 in³
• 4.0L / 242 in³
• 4.2L / 258 in³

NOTES
• Designed for AMC and Jeep inline-six 232, 242, and 258 applications.
• Designed for carbureted ignition systems only.
• Not compatible with AMC or Jeep V8 engines.
• Requires a 12-volt electrical system with alternator.
• Verify distributor gear compatibility with camshaft material before installation.
• Requires a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator. 
• Not compatible with 6-volt electrical systems, generators, or ballast resistors.

COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
• AMC Gremlin
• AMC Hornet
• AMC Concord
• AMC Spirit
• AMC Eagle
• Jeep CJ Series (CJ-5, CJ-6, CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler)
• Jeep Wrangler YJ (4.2L carbureted, 1987–1990)
• Jeep Cherokee XJ (carbureted-conversion only)
• Jeep J-Series Trucks (J-10, J-20)
• Jeep Wagoneer SJ

SPECIFICATIONS
Trigger Type: Magnetic
Advance Type: Mechanical And Vacuum
Color: Red
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: 6
Vacuum Advance Adjustment Tool: Included
Installation Instructions: Included
Engine Platform: AMC / Jeep Inline 6
Distributor Type: HEI Electronic Distributor
Voltage Requirement: 12 Volt
Application: Carbureted Engines