1953 Ford Sunliner Performance Distributors

Fits Ford 289 – 302 (5.0). Utilizing the durable and dependable High Energy Ignition (HEI) system pioneered by GM, these distributors avoid the unsightly wiring of stock Ford electronic ignition systems by installing this one-piece distributor with an internally positioned coil and module. Easy to install: just connect one 12-volt hot wire to the distributor (has optional tach hook-up). These units offer calibrated advance curves that are optimized for maximum combustion efficiency and for the elimination of detonation damage and throttle ping. Assembled from precision-madeparts for advance curve smoothness. Offers longer term durability and a higher voltage spark that permits a bigger spark plug gap, resulting in more power and reduced plug fouling. Each unit includes a high-power coil, a premium hi-dielectric cap with brass terminals, and a low-saturation ignition module. By eliminating the stock-Ford ballast resistor, more ignition voltage results in improved spark. Incorporates easily found High Energy Ignition (HEI) replacement parts. Assembled with upper and lower bushings (stock Ford distributors have only a single bushing). Technical Note: Gear not compatible with roller cams. If using roller cams, please contact the cam manufacturer for proper gear selection.

Product Features:

• Street/Strip Version
• Built-In Coil with Magnetic Trigger
• Features Red Cap
• Fits Ford 289-302 5.0 Engines
• Comes with An Iron Gear and with Not Work with Factory Roller Cams

MSD engineers fit all of their high performance distributor experience into a special compact housing designed to be less obtrusive for Ford engines. The diameter of the special cap and housing are 5/8 inch smaller than stock Ford distributors providing extra room in front of the engine. The new MSD cap features spark plug style terminals and is firmly screwed down to the housing. The distributor relies on MSD’s race proven magnetic pick-up and precision reluctor to deliver accurate trigger signals to the MSD ignition throughout high rpm. The reluctor assembly is turned by a hardened steel shaft which rides in a sealed ball bearing for high rpm stability and endurance. Mounted to the top of this shaft is a fully adjustable mechanical advance assembly. The rate at which the chromoly assembly advances the timing is easily controlled by changing the supplied advance springs and stop bushing for total advance.

Product Features:

• Billet housing 5/8 in. smaller dia. than stock Ford distributors
• Must Be Used w/An MSD Ignition Control
• Supplied w/small dia. cap w/HEI style terminals; race and rotor
• Will accept PN[8441] Cap-A-Dapt
• Nylon pads ensure smooth operation of the advance weights
• Advance weight pins are staked and tig welded to the plate
• Mech. advance assem. can be locked out for crank trigger systems
• Advance plate and weights are fine blanked from chrome moly steel

MSD is excited to offer two Ready-to-Run distributors for two classic Ford engines! These distributors are the answer to weak breaker points or rebuilt aftermarket models. Inside the billet housing there is a high-output ignition module. When the maintenance-free magnetic pick-up signals the module to fire, up to 7.5 A is sent to the coil where a powerful spark is created. This improved spark output results in quick starts, snappy throttle response and terrific drivability. The distributors are equipped with a vacuum advance canister for cruising economy. Plus, there is a mechanical advance assembly that is mounted on top of the distributor shaft making it easy to adjust the advance to meet your needs. Another great feature of the Ready-to-Run distributors is their simple installation! All you need to do is connect three wires and you’ll be cruising!

Product Features:

• Simple and clean three wire installation
• CARB E.O. Approved
• Does not require an MSD Ignition Control
• Supplied w/small dia. cap w/HEI style terminals; race and rotor
• Will accept PN[8441] Cap-A-Dapt
• Nylon pads ensure smooth operation of the advance weights
• Advance weight pins are staked and tig welded to the plate
• Mech. advance assem. can be locked out for crank trigger systems

Early flathead racers and cruisers alike will be excited to see these front mount flathead distributors! These distributors are built around a CNC-machined billet aluminum housing for precise tolerances. The distributor is topped off with our own crab cap with spark plug style terminals for improved wire connections. Just under the cap and Rynite race rotor is MSD’s adjustable mechanical advance. This assembly features chromoly construction with Tig-welded weight pins to secure the precision fine blanked weights. MSD supplies different advance springs and stop bushings so you can dial-in an advance curve to meet your flathead’s specs. Just under the advance is MSD’s race-proven magnetic pick-up. This pickup, combined with a reluctor, produces accurate trigger signals that are responsible for firing the MSD Ignition control. Bring your flathead up to date with MSD Performance.

Product Features:

• Designed for 1949-1953 8-BA Ford Flathead engines
• No CARB Exemption Order Number
• Does not require an MSD Ignition Control
• Accepts Cap-A-Dapts
• Supplied w/HEI style dist. cap/rotor/gear/roll pin/setup spacer
• Nylon pads ensure smooth operation of the advance weights
• Advance weight pins are staked and tig welded to the plate
• Mech. advance assem. can be locked out for crank trigger systems

MSD’s Ready-to-Run Ford distributors are the perfect upgrade for bulky Duraspark systems or ancient breaker point models. All you need to do is drop it in the engine, connect three wires and fire the engine. Each distributor features an ignition module that produces a powerful inductive spark to improve combustion of the fuel mixture resulting in quick starts, smooth idle and increased performance. The billet aluminum housings of these distributors are 5/8 In. smaller in diameter to accommodate induction setups and tight engine compartments. A maintenance-free magnetic pick-up is responsible for triggering the high voltage sparks while a sealed ball bearing guides an oversized shaft. Beneath the bolt down cap and MSD race rotor you’ll find MSD’s accurate mechanical advance assembly. Different advance springs and stop bushings are supplied so you can easily tune a curve to match your needs. Plus, there is a vacuum advance canister to increase economy on long drives.

Product Features:

• Equipped w/Steel Gear
• CARB E.O. Approved
• Does not require an MSD Ignition Control
• Supplied w/small dia. cap w/HEI style terminals; race and rotor
• Will accept PN[8441] Cap-A-Dapt
• Nylon pads ensure smooth operation of the advance weights
• Advance weight pins are staked and tig welded to the plate
• Mech. advance assem. can be locked out for crank trigger systems

The street pro-billet distributors are the perfect choice for powerful engines that see plenty of street time. The street models share the same features as the small diameter models shown above, plus feature a vacuum advance. This canister provides improved economy and an accurate mechanical advance lets you dial-in an advance curve to match your driving needs. A magnetic pick-up produces accurate trigger signals that remain stable throughout the entire rpm range of your engine and is completely maintenance-free.

Product Features:

• Billet housing 5/8 in. smaller dia. than stock Ford distributors
• CARB E.O. Approved
• Easy-to-adjust mech. advance w/supplied springs and stop bushings
• Vacuum advance canister for improved economy (can be locked out)
• CNC machined billet aluminum housing and billet aluminum base
• Maintenance-free magnetic pickup and precision reluctor
• Creates stable trigger signals throughout the rpm range
• QPQ coated polished steel shaft; guided by sealed ball bearings
• Advance plate and weights are fine blanked from chrome moly steel
• QPQ coated for friction reduction
• Mech. advance assem. can be locked out for crank trigger systems
• Advance weight pins are staked and tig welded to the plate