Distributors & Parts

Ignition Distributors
  • Motorcraft® - Ignition Distributor Rotor
    Motorcraft®Ignition Distributor Rotor
    0
    # sp96691
    Ignition Distributor Rotor by Motorcraft®. Is your vehicle hard to start? Does it miss under load and idle rough? Is your gas mileage not what it used to be? Your ignition system may need repair, but before you waste your time and gas...
    Direct OEM replacementMeets strict Ford Motor Company standards
    $6.85 - $39.80
  • Bosch® - Ignition Distributor Cap
    Bosch®Ignition Distributor Cap
    0
    # sp137001
    Ignition Distributor Cap by Bosch®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit and function the same or...
    100% new, not rebuiltOE design to ensure exact fit, form and function
    $11.75 - $195.38
  • WVE® - Distributor Cap
    WVE®Distributor Cap
    0
    # sp184433
    Distributor Cap by WVE®. Replace your worn-out or faulty component with this quality replacement from WVE. This product is designed and tested to ensure the ultimate in durability and functionality. Made to meet or exceed the OEM...
    Excellent replacement for your worn-out factory partDesigned to keep your vehicle running reliably mile after mile
    $4.20 - $1,114.91
  • WVE® - Distributor Vacuum Advance
    WVE®Distributor Vacuum Advance
    0
    # sp228086
    Distributor Vacuum Advance by WVE®. Replace your worn-out or faulty component with this quality replacement from WVE. This product is designed and tested to ensure the ultimate in durability and functionality. Made to meet or exceed the...
    Excellent replacement for your worn-out factory partDesigned to keep your vehicle running reliably mile after mile
    $13.79 - $571.51
  • WVE® - Ignition Contact Set
    WVE®Ignition Contact Set
    0
    # sp184447
    Ignition Contact Set by WVE®. Replace your worn-out or faulty component with this quality replacement from WVE. This product is designed and tested to ensure the ultimate in durability and functionality. Made to meet or exceed the OEM...
    Excellent replacement for your worn-out factory partDesigned to keep your vehicle running reliably mile after mile
    $5.32 - $49.59
  • WVE® - Ignition Distributor Rotor
    WVE®Ignition Distributor Rotor
    0
    # sp186671
    Ignition Distributor Rotor by WVE®. Replace your worn-out or faulty component with this quality replacement from WVE. This product is designed and tested to ensure the ultimate in durability and functionality. Made to meet or exceed the...
    Excellent replacement for your worn-out factory partDesigned to keep your vehicle running reliably mile after mile
    $2.99 - $208.01
  • Original Engine Management® - Distributor Ignition Pickup Coil
    Original Engine Management®Distributor Ignition Pickup Coil
    0
    # sp127262
    Distributor Ignition Pickup Coil by Original Engine Management®. OEM offers the highest quality parts available. With vehicle systems becoming more and more complex, electronic components and sensors must be manufactured to precise...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $12.84 - $45.50
  • United Motor Products® - Distributor Cap
    United Motor Products®Distributor Cap
    0
    # sp229429
    Distributor Cap by United Motor Products®. Keep your pride and joy operating as it should with this top-notch part from United Motors Products. It’s made using the finest materials and advanced manufacturing equipment to ensure...
    Excellent replacement for your worn out factory partWill help make your vehicle running as good as new
    $5.67 - $24.11
  • United Motor Products® - Distributor Module
    United Motor Products®Distributor Module
    0
    # sp229430
    Distributor Module by United Motor Products®. Keep your pride and joy operating as it should with this top-notch part from United Motors Products. It’s made using the finest materials and advanced manufacturing equipment to ensure...
    Excellent replacement for your worn out factory partWill help make your vehicle running as good as new
    $18.27 - $54.73
  • United Motor Products® - Distributor Rotor
    United Motor Products®Distributor Rotor
    0
    # sp229431
    Distributor Rotor by United Motor Products®. Keep your pride and joy operating as it should with this top-notch part from United Motors Products. It’s made using the finest materials and advanced manufacturing equipment to ensure...
    Excellent replacement for your worn out factory partWill help make your vehicle running as good as new
    $3.43 - $33.68
  • PerTronix® - Ignitor™ Electronic Ignition
    PerTronix®Ignitor™ Electronic Ignition
    1
    # sp104661
    Ignitor™ Electronic Ignition by PerTronix®. Developed with leading technological advancements by PerTronix, this first-rate product will take the performance of your ignition system to a completely new level. It complies with rigorous...
    Will boost the ignition system performance furtherUp-to-date design and premium-grade materials
    $82.78 - $514.95
  • NGK® - Ignition Distributor Cap
    NGK®Ignition Distributor Cap
    0
    # sp248804
    Ignition Distributor Cap by NGK®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit and function the same or...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $89.91 - $98.13
  • ACDelco® - GM Genuine Parts Distributor Pole Piece Assembly
    ACDelco®GM Genuine Parts Distributor Pole Piece Assembly
    0
    # sp250003
    GM Genuine Parts Distributor Pole Piece Assembly by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $43.93Save: 15%
    $37.34
  • ACDelco® - GM Genuine Parts Ignition Distributor Clamp
    ACDelco®GM Genuine Parts Ignition Distributor Clamp
    0
    # sp253730
    GM Genuine Parts Ignition Distributor Clamp by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit and...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $6.11 - $10.26Save: up to 15%
    $5.31 - $8.70
  • ACDelco® - GM Genuine Parts™ Distributor Dust Shield
    ACDelco®GM Genuine Parts™ Distributor Dust Shield
    0
    # sp217411
    GM Genuine Parts™ Distributor Dust Shield by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit and...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $32.92Save: 15%
    $27.98
  • ACDelco® - GM Genuine Parts™ Distributor Housing Seal
    ACDelco®GM Genuine Parts™ Distributor Housing Seal
    0
    # sp260241
    GM Genuine Parts™ Distributor Housing Seal by ACDelco®. GM Genuine Parts Multi Purpose O-Rings are designed, engineered, and tested to rigorous standards, and are backed by General Motors. GM Genuine Parts are the true OE parts...
    Some GM Genuine Parts may have formerly appeared as ACDelco GM Original Equipment (OE)GM Genuine Parts are designed, engineered and tested to rigorous standards, and are backed by General Motors
    $2.61Save: 15%
    $2.23
  • ACDelco® - GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Connector
    ACDelco®GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Connector
    0
    # sp16810
    GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Connector by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $25.86 - $45.51Save: 15%
    $21.98 - $38.69
  • ACDelco® - GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Drive Gear
    ACDelco®GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Drive Gear
    0
    # sp16811
    GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Drive Gear by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $9.51 - $65.96Save: up to 15%
    $8.08 - $56.88
  • ACDelco® - GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Pole Piece Assembly
    ACDelco®GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Pole Piece Assembly
    0
    # sp27239
    GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Pole Piece Assembly by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $35.33 - $50.26Save: 15%
    $29.92 - $42.72
  • ACDelco® - GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Rotor
    ACDelco®GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Rotor
    0
    # sp16819
    GM Original Equipment™ Distributor Rotor by ACDelco®. Designed to fit and perform as well as your Original Equipment, ACDelco GM OE Distributor Caps and Rotors are the preferred replacement parts for GM vehicles.
    ACDelco caps have metal inserts designed to provide the best possible fit and ensure maximum conductivity between the distributor towers and spark plug wiresMarkings or locator keys included on ACDelco caps are similar to OE parts, allowing for ease of installation
    $9.48 - $10.13Save: 15%
    $8.06 - $8.61
  • ACDelco® - GM Original Equipment™ Power Distribution Block Connector
    ACDelco®GM Original Equipment™ Power Distribution Block Connector
    0
    # sp11876
    GM Original Equipment™ Power Distribution Block Connector by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $36.99 - $75.84Save: 15%
    $31.44 - $64.29
  • ACDelco® - Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Cap
    ACDelco®Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Cap
    0
    # sp217409
    Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Cap by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit and function...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $35.33 - $92.55Save: 15%
    $30.03 - $78.67
  • ACDelco® - Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Drive Gear
    ACDelco®Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Drive Gear
    0
    # sp217410
    Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Drive Gear by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit and...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $47.15 - $95.81Save: up to 16%
    $40.09 - $81.44
  • ACDelco® - Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Housing Seal
    ACDelco®Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Housing Seal
    0
    # sp217412
    Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Housing Seal by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit and...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $4.77Save: 15%
    $4.06
  • ACDelco® - Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Ignition Pickup
    ACDelco®Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Ignition Pickup
    0
    # sp217413
    Genuine GM Parts™ Distributor Ignition Pickup by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $33.20Save: 15%
    $28.22
  • ACDelco® - Genuine GM Parts™ Electronic Ignition Distributor Switch Relay
    ACDelco®Genuine GM Parts™ Electronic Ignition Distributor Switch Relay
    0
    # sp217416
    Genuine GM Parts™ Electronic Ignition Distributor Switch Relay by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications,...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $12.89Save: 15%
    $10.95
  • ACDelco® - Genuine GM Parts™ Ignition Distributor Housing Gasket
    ACDelco®Genuine GM Parts™ Ignition Distributor Housing Gasket
    0
    # sp217429
    Genuine GM Parts™ Ignition Distributor Housing Gasket by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $8.05Save: 15%
    $6.84
  • ACDelco® - Genuine GM Parts™ Ignition Distributor Shaft O-Ring Seal
    ACDelco®Genuine GM Parts™ Ignition Distributor Shaft O-Ring Seal
    0
    # sp217431
    Genuine GM Parts™ Ignition Distributor Shaft O-Ring Seal by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $7.05 - $10.44Save: 15%
    $5.99 - $8.87
  • ACDelco® - Professional Distributor Transistor Unit
    ACDelco®Professional Distributor Transistor Unit
    0
    # sp250009
    Professional Distributor Transistor Unit by ACDelco®. If you want to restore the original performance of your vehicle's ignition system, this product is what you need. Engineered to stringent OE specifications, it is sure to fit and...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $80.17Save: 15%
    $68.15
  • ACDelco® - Professional Ignition Conversion Kit
    ACDelco®Professional Ignition Conversion Kit
    0
    # sp253739
    Professional Ignition Conversion Kit by ACDelco®. Many ACDelco Ignition Modules feature electronically welded lead connections to help eliminate heat-stress failure or cold joints. Select ACDelco Ignition Modules have been laser trimmed...
    Manufactured to restore your vehicle’s ignition systemDesigned with your specific vehicle in mind
    $268.09Save: 15%
    $227.88




All late model cars and trucks are equipped with electronic, distributorless ignition systems. On the latest COP (Coil on Plug) systems an ignition coil is directly connected to the spark plug in each cylinder and spark timing is computer controlled based on input from sensors and internal programming. But from the early days of the automobile until well into the 1980s, combustion in an engine’s cylinders was initiated by voltage from a single coil that was directed to each spark plug by a distributor and spark plug wires, and for most of that time the distributor also mechanically controlled spark timing with breaker points and advance weights. Distributors contain a number of wear components that require periodic adjustment or replacement, and distributor defects can cause no-starts, hard starting, and poor performance and fuel economy. Whether you’re doing a tune-up and regular maintenance or want to repair an engine operating problem, you’ll find all the distributor components you need right here on our digital shelves.

A typical distributor consists of a shaft that rotates on bushings inside a cast iron or aluminum housing. Attached to the bottom of the shaft is a gear that’s driven by the camshaft. The distributor shaft also drives the oil pump on many engines. The distributor rotor is mounted at the top of the shaft and along with the distributor plate and triggering and advance mechanisms it’s enclosed inside a distributor cap. The distributor cap, made of phenolic or plastic, attaches to the top of the distributor housing with clips or screws. It contains terminals at the cap perimeter for each cylinder and a terminal in the center that connects the rotor with the ignition coil. Most distributor caps have a center terminal that connects to an external coil with a high tension lead, but on some distributors the coil is mounted directly to the cap. The rotor distributes the ignition coil voltage to the individual cylinder towers on the cap as the distributor shaft rotates. The spark plug wires attached to the distributor cap cylinder towers deliver the voltage to the spark plug in each cylinder.

Current flowing through the ignition coil’s primary windings creates a magnetic field. When that current flow is interrupted the collapsing magnetic field produces an electric current in the secondary windings, which is stepped up to the 15,000 – 40,000 volts needed to jump the gap between the spark plug electrodes and ignite the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders. Current flow is interrupted by the triggering mechanism in the distributor – mechanical breaker points or electronic components. In the mechanical system, a cam on the distributor shaft has lobes that correspond to the number of cylinders. The breaker points, also called a contact set, are mounted to a plate adjacent to the cam. A rubbing block on the arm of the point set rides on the cam, with the lobes opening the points. When the points are closed, current flows and the magnetic field builds up in the coil – this is the dwell time. When the cam lobes open the points, the magnetic field collapses and voltage is sent to the spark plugs. A capacitor called a condenser is included in the circuit to reduce arcing and burning of the contacts.

While it’s reduced by the condenser, during engine operation there is still some arcing at the points, which causes erosion of the contacts, and coupled with rubbing block wear this changes point gap, dwell and timing, adversely affecting performance and emissions. To eliminate the frequent adjustment and replacement required by breaker points, vehicle manufacturers began switching to electronic triggering mechanisms in the late 1960s and early 70s. Electronic control offered several advantages; there were no mechanical parts to wear and more voltage to the spark plugs could be provided for more efficient engine operation. In place of the cam on the distributor shaft, electronic distributors have a reluctor with teeth that correspond to the number of cylinders, and instead of breaker points a magnetic pickup or hall effect switch is mounted on the distributor plate. As the distributor rotates and the reluctor passes the pickup or sensor, a signal is sent to an ignition module, which contains a transistor that closes and opens the primary circuit to create and collapse the magnetic field and produce the voltage sent to the spark plugs.

It takes time to fully ignite the mixture in the cylinders, so spark plugs are typically timed to fire a number of degrees BTDC (Before Top Dead Center) on the power stroke, so the full force of combustion can be applied to the pistons. This is called initial timing. However, as RPM increases the spark plugs must fire even earlier. To advance the timing distributors have a centrifugal advance mechanism consisting of weights and springs. As engine speed increases and the distributor shaft rotates faster, centrifugal force pushes the weights outward, which in turn moves the distributor cam to change timing. The springs control the rate of advance. Beginning in the 1950s, vehicle manufacturers began installing vacuum advance mechanisms. Vacuum advance advances the timing during vehicle operating conditions like highway cruising, when engine load is light and vacuum is high, to increase engine efficiency. The vacuum canister is mounted to the distributor housing and contains a diaphragm that is attached to the distributor plate. Engine vacuum pulls on the diaphragm and the plate to advance timing. Eventually spark advance also became electronically controlled on distributor ignitions.

Along with breaker points and condenser, the distributor cap and rotor are also considered wear items that must be periodically replaced. Check the cap terminals and rotor for evidence of corrosion, erosion, carbon tracking and cracks. Voltage must jump the gap between the rotor tip and distributor cylinder terminals, and these are common wear areas. Although electronic triggering mechanisms are much more reliable than breaker points, distributor shafts and bushings can wear, resulting in excessive play and an improper gap between the reluctor teeth and pickup or sensor. Vacuum advance diaphragms can fail, and centrifugal advance mechanisms can get sticky and immobile, resulting in insufficient advance, poor performance and overheating, and centrifugal advance springs can break, causing too much advance too soon and pinging.

No matter what vehicle you’re working on or whether you have mechanical breaker points or electronic ignition, we have the replacement distributors and related components needed to restore proper performance, reliability and fuel economy. We offer distributors and components that are manufactured to original equipment specifications, so when repairs are completed you can count on the performance your vehicle was designed to deliver. In addition to an extensive selection of complete distributor assemblies, we also offer all the distributor related components needed for tune-ups and repairs including contact sets, condensers, distributor caps and rotors, ignition pickups and sensors, reluctors, vacuum advance canisters, and much more. And if you want better performance and reliability with less maintenance, we have electronic ignition conversion kits to replace the mechanical breaker points on most popular vehicles.

Upgrade your factory distributor with a performance cap and rotor. We offer tough, alkyd compound caps with brass inserts, which resist corrosion and provide better conductivity. Get more precise and consistent spark timing, and eliminate the need for breaker point replacement with an electronic ignition conversion kit. Or get these features and more with a performance distributor. Our distributors are available with dual points or electronic ignition, and some even feature preprogrammed or custom advance curves, with housings turned from billet aluminum and shafts that turn on oil lite bushings and/or ball bearings.

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Distributors Reviews

51 reviews
Everything about this distributor cap was great. Arrived on time, easy to install, I have more than 3000 miles on it already and there is no problem at all. Would recommend.
Posted by Sergio (Lynwood, CA) / April 27, 20211987 Nissan Stanza
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