1973 Ford Thunderbird Performance Distributors

Essential 1973 Ford Thunderbird Performance Distributors

MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford 351W; Ready-to-Run; with Steel Gear (Part No.83541)

Distributor; Ford 351W; Ready-to-Run; with Steel Gear

from

$645.99
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
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MSD Ignition – Distributor; 2.3L Ford (Part No.8473)

Distributor; 2.3L Ford

from

$512.99
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
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Mallory – Distributor (Part No.3755101)

Distributor

from

$455.99
Distributor

MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford 351C-460; Vacuum Advance (Part No.8477)

Distributor; Ford 351C-460; Vacuum Advance

from

$532.99
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
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Mallory – Unilite Electronic Ignition Distributor Series 37 (Part No.3755401)

Unilite Electronic Ignition Distributor Series 37

from

$455.99
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
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MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford TFI; 351W; Steel Gear; Hydraulic Roll (Part No.8452)

Distributor; Ford TFI; 351W; Steel Gear; Hydraulic Roll

from

$449.99
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 QPQ-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!

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
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Mallory – Unilite Electronic Ignition Distributor Series 37 (Part No.3755301)

Unilite Electronic Ignition Distributor Series 37

from

$455.99
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
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Proform – Ford HEI Distributor, Red Cap, For Ford 289-302 V8 Engines (Part No.66969R)

Ford HEI Distributor, Red Cap, For Ford 289-302 V8 Engines

from

$228.99
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
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MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford V8; 351W (Part No.8584)

Distributor; Ford V8; 351W

from

$399.99
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
  • No CARB Exemption Order Number
  • Supplied w/Cap-A-Dapt and rotor (accepts MSD socket style caps)
  • 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
See More

MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford 289/302; Ready-to-Run (Part No.8352)

Distributor; Ford 289/302; Ready-to-Run

from

$584.99
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
See More

Mallory – Distributor Drive Gear (Part No.29420)

Distributor Drive Gear

from

$62.99
Mallory distributor gears are precision machined from alloy steel in our factory to exact original equipment specs. For use with cast flat tappet hydraulic/mechanical cams and austempered ductile iron roller cams.

Product Features:
  • Replacement Distributor Gear
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Mallory – Distributor Drive Gear (Part No.29421PD)

Distributor Drive Gear

from

$62.99
Mallory distributor gears are precision machined from alloy steel in our factory to exact original equipment specs. For use with cast flat tappet hydraulic/mechanical cams and austempered ductile iron roller cams.

Product Features:
  • Replacement Distributor Gear
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MSD Ignition – Distributor Gear; Ford; 302; Iron (Part No.85832)

Distributor Gear; Ford; 302; Iron

from

$35.99
This gear test fixture features variable rpm and oil pressure control allowing MSD engineers the ability to maintain the exact conditions that they want for gear tests. Severe loads can be placed on the gear and the fixture can spin up to 10,000 rpm. Features increased outer hardened layer thickness (RC 55-60). Micro polished surface for smooth contact. Proprietary formulated ductile iron. Melonite QPQ coated reduces friction and initial wear. Interstitial carbide concentration improves wear resistance and running properties.

Product Features:
  • Increased outer hardened layer thickness (RC 55-60)
  • Micro Polished Surface For Smooth Contact
  • Proprietary formulated ductile iron.
  • Melonite QPQ coated reduces friction and initial wear
  • Interstitial carbide improves wear resistance/running properties
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MSD Ignition – Distributor Gear; Ford 5.0L; with EFI; Steel (Part No.85834)

Distributor Gear; Ford 5.0L; with EFI; Steel

from

$122.99
A distributor’s performance is only as good as its drive gear. MSD ignition has put a great deal of effort into researching and testing a variety of metallurgical compositions, heat treating and coatings to provide you with a durable, accurate and strong distributor gear. The result is a special iron alloy gear that is treated to a low-friction coating process. To you this means long life, an easy break-in period and reliable performance. Features micro polished surface for smooth contact. Proprietary formulated ductile iron. Melonite QPQ coated reduces friction and initial wear. Interstitial carbide concentration improves wear resistance and running properties.

Product Features:
  • Increased outer hardened layer thickness (RC 55-60)
  • Micro Polished Surface For Smooth Contact
  • Proprietary formulated ductile iron.
  • Melonite QPQ coated reduces friction and initial wear
  • Interstitial carbide improves wear resistance/running properties
See More

PerTronix – D4061 Flame-Thrower HEI Distributor Rotor Red (Part No.D4061)

D4061 Flame-Thrower HEI Distributor Rotor Red

from

$15.99
Made from hi-performance 60 KV rated alkyd molding compound for superior protection from “arc-thru” and cross-fire. Our cap and rotor kits include nylon rotor hold-down screws. Flame-Thrower dust covers provide a larger air gap around the coil which provi

Product Features:
  • PerTronix D4061 Flame-Thrower HEI Distributor Rotor Red
  • Made from hi-performance 60 KV rated alkyd molding compound.
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MSD Ignition – Distributor Gear; Ford 351C; 460; Iron (Part No.85812)

Distributor Gear; Ford 351C; 460; Iron

from

$35.99
This gear test fixture features variable rpm and oil pressure control allowing MSD engineers the ability to maintain the exact conditions that they want for gear tests. Severe loads can be placed on the gear and the fixture can spin up to 10,000 rpm. Features increased outer hardened layer thickness (RC 55-60). Micro polished surface for smooth contact. Proprietary formulated ductile iron. Melonite QPQ coated reduces friction and initial wear. Interstitial carbide concentration improves wear resistance and running properties.

Product Features:
  • Increased outer hardened layer thickness (RC 55-60)
  • Micro Polished Surface For Smooth Contact
  • Proprietary formulated ductile iron.
  • Melonite QPQ coated reduces friction and initial wear
  • Interstitial carbide improves wear resistance/running properties
See More

PerTronix – D660701 Rotor Flame-Thrower Billet Distributor (Part No.D660701)

D660701 Rotor Flame-Thrower Billet Distributor

from

$18.99
Rotor for Flame-Thrower cast distributors. Premium rotor with brass contact

Product Features:
  • PerTronix D660701 Rotor Flame-Thrower Billet Distributor
  • Rotor for Flame-Thrower cast distributors
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PerTronix – D4062 Flame-Thrower HEI Distributor Rotor Blue (Part No.D4062)

D4062 Flame-Thrower HEI Distributor Rotor Blue

from

$15.99
Made from hi-performance 60 KV rated alkyd molding compound for superior protection from “arc-thru” and cross-fire. Our cap and rotor kits include nylon rotor hold-down screws. Flame-Thrower dust covers provide a larger air gap around the coil which provi

Product Features:
  • PerTronix D4062 Flame-Thrower HEI Distributor Rotor Blue
  • Made from hi-performance 60 KV rated alkyd molding compound.
See More

Mallory – Distributor Drive Gear (Part No.29418PD)

Distributor Drive Gear

from

$62.99
Mallory distributor gears are precision machined from alloy steel in our factory to exact original equipment specs. For use with cast flat tappet hydraulic/mechanical cams and austempered ductile iron roller cams.

Product Features:
  • Replacement Distributor Gear
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MSD Ignition – Distributor Gear; Ford 351W; Bronze (Part No.8585)

Distributor Gear; Ford 351W; Bronze

from

$77.99
MSD Bronze Distributor gears are machined from quality AMPCO 45 aluminum bronze containing 5 percent nickel. This special combination creates high-strength gear teeth that are less prone to wear even with high volume oil pumps. Features increased outer hardened layer thickness (RC 55-60). Micro polished surface for smooth contact. Proprietary formulated ductile iron. Melonite QPQ coated reduces friction and initial wear. Interstitial carbide concentration improves wear resistance and running properties.

Product Features:
  • Increased outer hardened layer thickness (RC 55-60)
  • Interstitial carbide improves wear resistance/running properties
  • Melonite QPQ coated reduces friction and initial wear
  • Proprietary formulated ductile iron.
  • Micro Polished Surface For Smooth Contact
See More

1973 Ford Thunderbird Performance Distributors

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1973 Ford Thunderbird. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Distributors. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 3 different Performance Distributors in our inventory ranging from $35.99 to $532.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1973 Ford Thunderbird running smoothly.

Performance Distributors are only as good as their brand. We stock 2 different brands to make sure you have plenty of trusted parts to choose from for your 1973 Ford Thunderbird. Mallory and MSD Ignition are just some of the brands we stock. Search for brands you know or compare prices and reviews to help you decide!

We know you’ll find the perfect Performance Distributors for your 1973 Ford Thunderbird, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence.

So if you’re in the market for aftermarket Performance Distributors to keep your 1973 Ford Thunderbird rolling for years to come, look no further. Shop online and have your products shipped direct to your door, or pick up at the nearest Advance Auto Parts location today!

Performance Distributors Brands To Make Your 1973 Ford Thunderbird Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1973 Ford Thunderbird demands trusted brand parts and products to keep it running. Many trusted brands of Performance Distributors make up Advance Auto Parts’ inventory, and all are ready to help make your Thunderbird the best it can be. Be sure to browse some of our top Performance Distributors brands and parts.

FAQs for 1973 Ford Thunderbird Performance Distributors

What are the most purchased Performance Distributors for the 1973 Ford Thunderbird?

Out of 3 Performance Distributors for the 1973 Ford Thunderbird, the most popular in our inventory are:
Distributor; Ford 351C-460; Vacuum Advance
from $532.99
This product is not rated
Distributor; Ford 351C-460; Vacuum Advance
Performance Distributors
Distributor Gear; Ford 351C; 460; Iron
from $35.99
This product is not rated
Distributor Gear; Ford 351C; 460; Iron
Performance Distributor Components
Distributor Drive Gear
from $62.99
This product is not rated
Distributor Drive Gear
Performance Distributor Components