Integrated Distributor for CID Engines (1962 & Earlier)

The Top Street Performance HEI Distributor offers a significant ignition upgrade for Chevrolet Stovebolt inline-six engines, specifically the 194, 216, 235, and 261 CID displacements used in 1962 and earlier vehicles. This integrated large-cap HEI unit consolidates the ignition coil, module, cap, and rotor into one component, requiring only a single 12-volt connection and eliminating the need for an external coil, ignition box, or condenser. The 65,000-volt internal HEI coil provides a stronger spark than traditional points-style distributors, contributing to easier cold starts, a cleaner idle, and more consistent ignition performance across the RPM range. It features a maintenance-free magnetic pickup trigger and includes both mechanical and vacuum advance, with an adjustment tool provided. Owners of vehicles with 6-volt electrical systems must first perform a 12-volt conversion, including installing a 12-volt battery and a 12-volt charging alternator (replacing the generator if present). Additionally, any ballast resistor in the ignition circuit must be removed or bypassed, as it is incompatible with the HEI system and will prevent it from functioning correctly. This distributor is designed exclusively for carbureted ignition systems. It is crucial to note that this distributor is not compatible with later GM inline-six engines, specifically the 230, 250, or 292 CID models introduced in 1963 and beyond. The 261 CID engine was primarily used in trucks in the US and also found in Canadian Pontiac passenger cars from 1955–1962. The distributor gear is best suited for cast iron hydraulic or solid flat tappet camshafts; consult your camshaft manufacturer for recommendations with roller camshafts.