1957 Ford Thunderbird Performance Distributors

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

When you start making serious power with your EFI Ford, the stock distributor shaft is one of the weak links of the engine. These Pro-Billet models answer the need for an affordable replacement in a strong and great looking package. Each distributor starts as a solid billet that is secured into a state of the art computer numerical control (CNC) machine where it is transformed into a precision housing. Inside each housing there is a sealed ball bearing at the top of the shaft. This design is responsible for accurately guiding the oversized polished steel shaft throughout the entire RPM range of your engine. The shaft is also quip-coated for friction reduction and corrosion resistance. The Pro-Billet distributors use a stock-style trigger pick-up to accept factory connectors. For installation, you simply remove the stock distributor and bolt the Pro-Billet MSD in place! Each model is supplied with a special gear to work with the?factory camshafts.

Product Features:

• Drop in billet replacement for late model Ford TFI 5.8L dist.
• Supplied w/steel gear to work w/factory roller camshafts
• Factory style ignition module connector accepts factory wiring
• CNC machined billet aluminum housing and billet aluminum base
• QPQ coated polished steel shaft; guided by sealed ball bearings
• Supplied w/Late Model Distributor Cap And Rotor
• Legal to install in all 50 states

MSD Pro-Billet Distributors are the finest performance and racing distributors available. Every feature has been engineered to endure the rigors of high performance and racing engines. Whether cruising the streets or racing stock cars, dragsters, boats or trucks, MSD has a distributor for it. MSD uses state-of-the-art, Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) mills and lathes to machine each housing. After a long series of precise cuts and movements, the billet is formed into a flawless distributor housing that is accurate to within 0.001″. The flex-free housings are lightweight, have no porosity or weak areas and look great on polished, show quality engines.

Product Features:

• Same features as PN[8584]
• Use w/Edelbrock Victor Jr. man. for add. clearance at water neck
• No CARB Exemption Order Number
• Maintenance-free magnetic pickup and precision reluctor create stable trigger signals throughout the RPM range
• Polished steel shaft is QPQ coated and guided by two sealed ball bearings
• Advance weight pins are staked and tig welded to the plate
• Supplied with cap-a-dapt and rotor (accepts MSD socket style caps)
• Must be used with an MSD Ignition control

The industry standard with adjustable mechanical advance curve. Triggered by photo-optic infrared LED system. Improved combustion efficiency and economy, increased spark plug life and cold weather starting, and maintenance free operation.

Product Features:

• Improved Combustion And Economy
• Increased Spark Plug Life
• Improved Cold Weather Starting
• Maintenance Free Operation
• Accurate Spark Timing
• Self-Lubricating Bushings
• Years Of Trouble-Free Service

MSD’s Ready-to-Run Ford distributors are the perfect upgrade for bulky duration systems or ancient breaker point models. These distributors come complete and Ready-to-Run. 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.

Product Features:

• Now includes built-in Rev Limiter
• Built-in module produces a 7.5 amp single spark through high rpm
• 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
• Housing Is 5/8 in. Smaller In Diameter Than Stock Ford Distr.
• Maintenance-free magnetic pickup and precision reluctor
• Creates stable trigger signals throughout the rpm range
• Polished steel shaft is guided by a sealed ball bearing
• 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

MSD Pro-Billet Distributors are the finest performance and racing distributors available. Every feature has been engineered to endure the rigors of high performance and racing engines. Whether cruising the streets or racing stock cars, dragsters, boats or trucks, MSD has a distributor for it. MSD uses state-of-the-art, Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) mills and lathes to machine each housing. After a long series of precise cuts and movements, the billet is formed into a flawless distributor housing that is accurate to within 0.001″. The flex-free housings are lightweight, have no porosity or weak areas and look great on polished, show quality engines.

Product Features:

• CNC machined billet aluminum housing and Dupont Rynite base
• Must Be Used w/An MSD Ignition Control
• Supplied w/Cap; HEI Style Terminals And Rotor
• 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
• QPQ coated for friction reduction

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

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 In. 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 pickup 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. Note: must be used with an MSD 6, 7 or 8-series ignition.

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
• QPQ coated polished steel shaft; guided by sealed ball bearings
• Maintenance-free magnetic pickup and precision reluctor
• Creates stable trigger signals throughout the rpm range
• CNC machined billet aluminum housing and billet aluminum base

MSD Pro-Billet Distributors are the finest performance and racing distributors available. Every feature has been engineered to endure the rigors of high performance and racing engines. Whether cruising the streets or racing stock cars, dragsters, boats or trucks, MSD has a distributor for it. MSD uses state-of-the-art, Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) mills and lathes to machine each housing. After a long series of precise cuts and movements, the billet is formed into a flawless distributor housing that is accurate to within 0.001″. The flex-free housings are lightweight, have no porosity or weak areas and look great on polished, show quality engines.

Product Features:

• CNC machined billet aluminum housing and DuPont Rynite base
• Supplied w/Cap-A-Dapt and rotor (accepts MSD socket style caps)
• Must Be Used w/An MSD Ignition Control
• Mech. advance assem. can be locked out for crank trigger systems
• Nylon pads ensure smooth operation of the advance weights
• Advance weight pins are staked and tig welded to the plate
• Advance plate and weights are fine blanked from chrome moly steel
• QPQ coated for friction reduction

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 amps 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:

• Now includes built-in Rev Limiter
• No CARB Exemption Order Number
• Does not require an MSD Ignition Control
• Built-in module produces a 7.5 amp single spark through high rpm
• Vacuum advance canister for improved economy (can be locked out)
• CNC machined billet aluminum housing and billet aluminum base
• Housing Is 5/8 in. Smaller In Diameter Than Stock Ford Distr.

The e-curve distributor will drop right in your Ford 289/302 and fire up its performance. The e-curve distributor features a digital control module that manages the timing curve replacing the centrifugal advance springs and weights. This module lets you select from nearly 100 different advance curves, including a vacuum advance by turning two rotary dials. You can also set an rpm limit that will protect your engine from overrev damage caused by a missed shift or driveline failure. These distributors are also fit with a high-output ignition module so there is no need to run an external ignition box. This combination makes these distributors ideal for restored muscle cars and street rods to keep a stock or clean appearance under the hood. The e-curve distributor is topped with MSD’s rynite molded cap and rotor and is supplied with a heavy-duty gear and a matching 3-pin weathertight wiring harness.

Product Features:

• Digitally controlled; stand-alone distributor.
• Adjustable Electronic Advance w/Vacuum Advance
• Select up to 100 different curves through two rotary dials
• High output ignition module for a powerful spark
• Set a rev limit to protect your engine from overrev damage

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 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’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

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:

• Advance weight pins are staked and tig welded to the plate
• Nylon pads ensure smooth operation of the advance weights
• Supplied w/small dia. cap w/HEI style terminals; race and rotor
• Will accept PN[8441] Cap-A-Dapt
• Does not require an MSD Ignition Control
• CARB E.O. Approved
• Now includes built-in Rev Limiter
• Mech. advance assem. can be locked out for crank trigger systems
• Advance plate and weights are fine blanked from chrome moly steel
• QPQ coated for friction reduction
• Equipped w/Steel Gear
• Simple And Clean Installation w/Only Three Wires To Connect

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

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

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