AMC/Jeep 232-258 L6 Pro Series Ready to Run Distributor

• Fits AMC 232, 258 and Carbureted-Conversion 4.0L Inline-Six — no ignition box required

• CNC billet aluminum housing, hardened steel shaft, solid brass terminals

• Tunable advance curve — 3 bushings, 4 springs, vacuum block-off plate included

• Tachometer output and external coil required — 35,000V minimum coil rating

The TSP Pro Series Ready-to-Run Distributor for AMC and Jeep inline-six engines brings professional-grade ignition performance to carbureted 232 CID (3.8L), 258 CID (4.2L), and carbureted-conversion 242 CID (4.0L) applications. Built on a CNC-machined billet aluminum housing with a hardened steel shaft, magnetic pickup trigger, solid brass terminals, and a high-output internal ignition module, this distributor delivers accurate ignition timing and dependable spark delivery for street, restoration, and performance builds alike.

Unlike the TSP L6 HEI distributor, the Pro Series uses an external ignition coil — giving you the flexibility to run a coil matched to your specific build — while the internal ignition module eliminates the need for a separate ignition control box or CDI unit. The magnetic pickup trigger replaces points and condenser entirely, holding timing accurately without routine contact maintenance. A digital tachometer output is built in, with a tachometer output extension cable included for straightforward aftermarket tach wiring.

The fully adjustable mechanical and vacuum advance systems are the defining performance advantage of the Pro Series design. Three advance bushings and four advance springs ship with the distributor, allowing the mechanical advance curve to be tailored to your engine's camshaft profile, compression ratio, and carburetor tune. A vacuum advance block-off plate is also included for performance and race builds where vacuum advance is not needed.

Whether you're rebuilding a Jeep CJ-7 258, refreshing an AMC Eagle drivetrain, upgrading a Wrangler YJ 4.2L, or building a performance street engine on an AMC or Jeep inline-six platform, the Pro Series Ready-to-Run provides the advance tunability and build quality that a standard HEI replacement cannot match.

Important: Requires an external ignition coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher — coil is not included. Designed for carbureted ignition systems only. Not compatible with factory EFI-controlled Jeep 4.0L systems (Renix or High Output). Not compatible with AMC or Jeep V8 engines. 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 the Pro Series Ready-to-Run Over the L6 HEI?
The TSP L6 HEI distributor is an excellent street and restoration upgrade — integrated coil, one wire, simple installation. The Pro Series Ready-to-Run is the step up for builders who want more control. The external coil setup lets you choose a coil matched to your ignition system and build level, and the inclusion of an advance tuning kit means you can actually dial in how your timing behaves across the RPM range rather than running a fixed factory-style advance curve. For a stock rebuild, the HEI is the right call. For a performance street build, a modified engine, or any application where advance curve tuning matters, the Pro Series is the better tool.

Performance Benefit
The magnetic pickup trigger and circuit board module deliver precise, repeatable spark timing without the wear and drift that comes with a points-style system. The mechanical advance curve is fully adjustable using the included bushings and springs — a critical advantage on builds running aftermarket camshafts, higher compression, or performance carburetors where a custom advance ramp improves power delivery and part-throttle drivability. The vacuum advance block-off plate gives race and dedicated performance builds the option to run full mechanical advance control only. A digital tachometer output is built into the distributor, with the tachometer output extension cable included to simplify aftermarket tach wiring.

What AMC and Jeep engines does this distributor fit?
This distributor fits carbureted AMC 232 CID (3.8L) and 258 CID (4.2L) inline-six engines, and carbureted-conversion 242 CID (4.0L) applications. Supported vehicles include Jeep CJ-5, CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler, Wrangler YJ with the 4.2L inline-six (1987–1990), Cherokee XJ carbureted builds, Wagoneer SJ, J-Series trucks, AMC Eagle, Concord, Spirit, Gremlin, Hornet, and Pacer with compatible 232 or 258 inline-six engines. This distributor is not compatible with AMC or Jeep V8 engines.

What is the difference between this Pro Series distributor and the TSP L6 HEI distributor?
The TSP L6 HEI distributor integrates the ignition coil directly into the cap, connects to a single 12V wire, and requires no external coil — it is the simpler, lower-cost option for street and restoration builds. The Pro Series Ready-to-Run requires an external ignition coil (35,000V minimum, not included) but offers greater performance flexibility: three advance bushings and four advance springs allow the mechanical advance curve to be tuned for your specific build, a vacuum advance block-off plate is included for performance applications, and a tachometer output is built in. The Pro Series is the right choice for modified engines, performance builds, or any application where advance curve tuning matters.

Does this distributor include an ignition coil?
No. This is a Ready-to-Run design that requires an external ignition coil rated at 35,000 volts or higher. The coil is not included and must be sourced separately.

Do I need an external ignition box or CDI unit?
No. The internal ignition module handles all ignition control functions. No external ignition box, CDI unit, points, or condenser is required.

What is included with this distributor?
This distributor ships with three advance bushings and four advance springs for mechanical advance curve tuning, a color-matched spark plug wire retainer with screws, a vacuum advance block-off plate in black, a power extension cable, and a tachometer output extension cable.

Can I tune the advance curve on this distributor?
Yes. Three advance bushings and four advance springs are included to allow adjustment of the mechanical advance curve. This lets you control how quickly timing advances with rising RPM — particularly useful on AMC and Jeep inline-six builds running aftermarket camshafts, higher compression ratios, or performance carburetors where a stock-style advance curve is not optimal.

What is the vacuum advance block-off plate for?
The included vacuum advance block-off plate allows you to disable vacuum advance on the distributor. This is commonly used on performance and race builds where full timing control is managed through the mechanical advance curve only, without vacuum advance influence under light throttle conditions.

Does this distributor have a tachometer output?
Yes. A digital tachometer output is built into the distributor. A tachometer output extension cable is included to simplify wiring an aftermarket electronic tachometer to your build.

Does this distributor work with a mechanical tachometer?
No. This distributor does not include a mechanical tachometer drive. A digital tachometer output is available. Vehicles using a mechanical tach will require an electronic tachometer or a compatible electronic tach signal adapter.

Will this fit my Jeep 4.0L Cherokee XJ or Wrangler?
This distributor fits carbureted-conversion 4.0L (242 CID) builds only. It is not compatible with factory EFI-equipped Jeep 4.0L engines, including Renix-injected (1987–1990) and High Output EFI (1991 and later) applications. If your 4.0L has been converted to a carbureted ignition system, this distributor is compatible.

Is this distributor compatible with the Jeep Wrangler YJ?
Yes, for 1987–1990 Wrangler YJ models equipped with the factory 4.2L (258 CID) inline-six and a carbureted ignition system. The 1991–1995 Wrangler YJ was equipped with the 4.0L (242 CID) inline-six and factory EFI, which is not supported unless the engine has been converted to carburetion.

What type of distributor gear is included, and does gear material matter?
This distributor uses a steel distributor gear. Steel gears are compatible with cast iron camshafts and most aftermarket steel camshafts. If your engine has been upgraded to a roller camshaft with a bronze or softer alloy cam gear, verify gear compatibility before installation — a mismatched gear and cam material combination will cause accelerated wear on both components.

Do I need to set ignition timing after installing this distributor?
Yes. Base ignition timing must be set with a timing light after installation. For most carbureted AMC and Jeep 258 and 232 applications, a starting point of 8–12 degrees BTDC at idle is a common reference, though the optimal setting will vary based on your compression ratio, camshaft profile, advance spring and bushing selection, and carburetor tune.

Is this distributor compatible with a 6-volt electrical system or generator?
No. This distributor requires a 12-volt electrical system with a charging alternator. It is not compatible with 6-volt systems, generators, or ballast resistors.