Get Back That Lost Spark With SpeedFX Distributors

You can’t run a car without spark. Everything an engine does revolves around that crucial moment in time when the spark plug ignites the air and fuel mixture. Sure, induction, compression, and exhaust are all extremely important, but without the spark’s presence and proper timing, their efforts are in vain. That’s why, it is critical that your ignition system be up to snuff. On older engines, in particular, having the right distributor can make all the difference.

You see, the distributor plays a key role in ignition.

The short and sweet version is that it essentially transfers the power from your coil to the spark plugs. But, the distributor is also responsible for managing spark timing all the way through the power curve.

Ignition timing is directly responsible for performance, efficiency, and even economy to a degree. Simple adjustments to the timing can quite literally turn a mild engine into a serious performer. If ignition timing is off, or the distributor fails, then the engine won’t run properly — if at all. That’s why you really want to make sure you use a good quality distributor, and one that you’re comfortable with making adjustments to.

Unfortunately, when shopping on a budget, it can really feel like the manufacturer has you by the you-know-what.

But the truth is, there are an abundance of options available to you – and many of them boast performance upgrades and other design improvements over OEM parts. Even better, you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a high-quality distributor. We’ll break down what you should expect to pay and why you should stay far away from bargain bin one-offs. Plus, we’ll introduce you to SpeedFX, a top-notch brand that is hot on it with a quality line of distributors for classic applications – at a price-point you really can’t beat.

Shopping for a Distributor

Platforms like eBay and Amazon are great for sourcing a wide variety of items quickly and cheaply. And yes, you can find speed parts for what seems like pennies on the dollar – including distributors. But the truth is, you really don’t want to take a cheap part – especially one as important as a distributor – and jam it into your engine.

Though many of these one-off brands claim to use quality materials, you can instantly tell the good from the bad, based on feel alone. Think about it: if it feels cheap and flimsy in your hand, it won’t exactly hold like a diamond in the demanding conditions within an engine.

Obviously, saving money is a genuine concern in today’s day and age, but there’s a big difference between affordable and downright cheap. So how do you spot it?

Quality of Material

Your immediate focus should be on the shaft or gear that’s interacting with the camshaft. Luckily, most (even many cheapos) don’t skimp in this area. Still, do your homework and ensure whatever is going into the engine won’t be shredded by the camshaft, filling the oil passages with metal shavings.

Aside from the bones, consider items such as the magnetic pickup, breaker points, and even the vacuum advance canister, if applicable. This is really where cheap distributors show their flaws. Plastic in the place of metal, poor electrical connections, and a general appearance of low quality are all things to keep an eye out for.

Price Tag

As the saying goes: You get what you pay for. If you see a distributor priced at a fraction of similar options (say, $40-$50), there’s a good chance the part will fail. The fact that distributors are serviceable does soften the blow, however, after adding up service costs, time, and aggravation — wouldn’t it be smarter to just purchase a quality option in the first place?

So, how much should you be spending on a distributor?

Well, that depends. Top-shelf options for a typical daily driver generally run around $150-$200. A racing or high performance distributor might come in at around $300-$400. While pricy, these parts come with beefier components, tailored engineering tweaks, and sometimes even innovative technology you won’t find on other models.

Remember: just because a distributor has a high price tag and comes with special bells and whistles doesn’t mean it is the best choice for your car. (That’s especially true for daily drivers that don’t need to squeeze out an extra quarter of a horsepower.) However, there’s never a good reason to throw in a cheapo distributor that’s going to fail a few miles down the road.

Those gearheads seeking a solid, middle-of-the-road solution, should check out SpeedFX.

SpeedFX Distributors

With SpeedFX distributors, you are sure to get a quality part you can put in your engine with peace of mind. Constructed with a 6061-T6 polished billet shaft with a chromoly drive gear, solid brass terminals, and a high-strength cap and rotor with a high-performance ignition module, SpeedFX distributors stand up to power demands and look good doing it. Better yet, pricing sits comfortably in the ballpark of $80 to $100.

So, for $100 or less, you can walk away with a reliable performance distributor that isn’t going to break the bank—or your engine.

Application Support

As you can probably guess, if you’re running a Chevy or Ford, you’ve got some options. Engines like Ford’s 351, 302, and 428, along with Chevy Small Blocks, Big Blocks, and even the Pontiac V8 are covered under SpeedFX’s listings. But Chrysler nuts can rejoice, too! The LA engine and Jeep 6-cylinder and V8 engines are both taken care of.

Suffice it to say, if you’ve got an American classic — SpeedFX has you covered. And that’s good news, since moving to these distributors is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to instantly revamp an engine’s entire dynamic.

Currently, SpeedFX offers HEI distributors. They feature pretty much everything you’d need to take any factory-level engine up to a slightly more modern standard. Setting the mechanical advance to handle startups and instant throttle, having a vacuum advance to take over during cruising, and a one wire connection all make it easy to set these distributors right where you want them to be and go on your merry way. Plus, when compared to other distributors that feature points or alternative electronic functions, HEI distributors are pretty hands-off. Maintenance requires little more than a proper installation and keeping the connections clean.

Accessories

If your engine isn’t covered, or you don’t want to move to HEI, there’s still plenty to take advantage of. SpeedFX has a full line of distributor accessories, such as hold down tabs, mechanical advance kits, and even coil brackets.

Something to keep in mind is that your ignition system is only as strong as the weakest link. So, if you’ve got some slim, sub-par plug wires linking the spark, you’re only hurting yourself. Take advantage of that timing curve by hooking up your new SpeedFX distributor with some proper spark plug wires — and breathe some new life into your engine.

Whether you are at a car show or in your drive way, make popping the hood of your prized possession a proud moment. SpeedFX has you covered with quality parts and accessories at an affordable price.

This post was updated on 4/12/2021.