1979 Ford Thunderbird Performance Distributors

Essential 1979 Ford Thunderbird Performance Distributors

MSD Ignition – Rotor Assembly; Chevy V8 Cap-A-Dapt (Part No.8421)

Rotor Assembly; Chevy V8 Cap-A-Dapt

from

$60.99
MSD Ignition is a company built on Customer Satisfaction and Service. That is why all of MSD products go through regimented test procedures before they are ever packaged and shipped. MSD stands behind its products for one full year after purchase

Product Features:
  • Rotor phasing can be adjusted.
  • Ideal When Atomic TBI Is Controlling The Timing
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Accel – Rotor (Part No.130224)

Rotor

from

$17.88
Regain horsepower and economy for your street machine with a new ACCEL performance rotor. ACCEL’s high quality manufacturing process results in rotors offering superior protection from arc-thru and crossfire.

Product Features:
  • Racing Distributor Rotor
  • Standard Height Rotor
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MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford 351W; Ready-to-Run (Part No.8354)

Distributor; Ford 351W; Ready-to-Run

from

$569.99
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:
  • Now includes built-in Rev Limiter
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Mech. advance assem. can be locked out for crank trigger systems
  • Advance weight pins are staked and tig welded to the plate
  • Nylon pads ensure smooth operation of the advance weights
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MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford TFI; 351W; no Module; Hydraulic Roll (Part No.8451)

Distributor; Ford TFI; 351W; no Module; Hydraulic Roll

from

$580.99
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 (CNC) machine where it is transformed into a precision housing.

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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MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford 289/302 Hydraulic Roller Cams; Steel Gear (Part No.8598)

Distributor; Ford 289/302 Hydraulic Roller Cams; Steel Gear

from

$420.99
For Ford enthusiasts that are serious about performance! Just under the brass terminals of the MSD cap and rotor is an easy-to-adjust mechanical advance assembly. The assembly is fine blanked from chromoly steel, rig-welded for strength plus receives a QPQ coating. The precision weights glide on nylon bushings for smooth advancement and different springs and stop bushings are supplied so a variety of advance curves can be tuned. The steel shaft that spins the advance and reluctor receives a friction reducing coating plus is guided by a sealed ball bearing and long sintered bushing. This combination provides stable timing signals and spark delivery at any RPM. Triggering chores are handled by MSD’s race proven, maintenance-free magnetic pick-up.

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
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MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford FE; Ready-to-Run (Part No.8595)

Distributor; Ford FE; Ready-to-Run

from

$569.99
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
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MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford 289/302; Ready-to-Run; with Steel Gear (Part No.83521)

Distributor; Ford 289/302; Ready-to-Run; with Steel Gear

from

$664.99
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; Ford 5.0L Mustang; with Module; 86-93 (Part No.8456)

Distributor; Ford 5.0L Mustang; with Module; 86-93

from

$457.99
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 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 high-quality cap with brass terminals for full spark delivery, heavy-duty rotor.

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; 302; Bronze (Part No.8583)

Distributor Gear; Ford; 302; Bronze

from

$83.39
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:
  • 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
  • Increased outer hardened layer thickness (RC 55-60)
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Mallory – Distributor Drive Gear (Part No.29420)

Distributor Drive Gear

from

$73.29
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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PerTronix – D700700 Advance Spring Kit Flame-Thrower Billet Distributor (Part No.D700700)

D700700 Advance Spring Kit Flame-Thrower Billet Distributor

from

$20.99
Performance mechanical advance springs.

Product Features:
  • PerTronix D700700 Advance Spring Kit Flame-Thrower Billet Distributor
  • Performance mechanical advance springs.
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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.
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Competition Cams – .530" I.D. Composite Distributor Gear for Ford 302-351W (Part No.35100)

.530" I.D. Composite Distributor Gear for Ford 302-351W

from

$143.99
COMP Cams Composite Distributor Gears have undergone stringent testing in various applications with positive results. These super tough gears show great promise in solving the wear issues associated with bronze gears in racing applications. They are available in several shaft diameters for popular street and race applications.

Product Features:
  • Fits .530″ Shaft Diameter, Small Block Ford
  • Manufactured from a super-strong composite material
  • 300% increased durability over bronze distributor gears when used with steel camshafts
  • Tested and available in several shaft diameters for popular street and race applications
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PerTronix – D4260 Flame-Thrower Distributor Rotor HEI/EST Black (Part No.D4260)

D4260 Flame-Thrower Distributor Rotor HEI/EST Black

from

$10.99
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 D4260 Flame-Thrower Distributor Rotor HEI/EST Black
  • Made from hi-performance 60 KV rated alkyd molding compound.
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Accel – Distributor Cap And Rotor Kit (Part No.8220)

Distributor Cap And Rotor Kit

from

$64.99


Product Features:
  • Heavy Duty Cap and Rotor Kit
  • With Brass Inserts
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MSD Ignition – Distributor Cap/Rotor Kit; Ford Duraspark (Part No.8450)

Distributor Cap/Rotor Kit; Ford Duraspark

from

$56.99
The cap and rotor of any ignition system must be considered maintenance items. Just as you change the oil and filter of your car, you should always replace the cap and rotor as a set. To make things easy, we now offer these cap and rotor replacement kits.

Product Features:
  • Designed w/Performance In Mind
  • High Quality Material
  • Stainless Terminals
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Accel – High Performance Distributor Cap & Rotor Kit with Gray Finish (Part No.8234)

High Performance Distributor Cap & Rotor Kit with Gray Finish

from

$54.39
ACCEL cap and rotor kits offer superior protection from “arc-thru” and crossfire. Features 60k V-rated alkyd compound, stress-relieved at molding to ensure stability. Brass inserts and steel rotor springs provide for high spark energy flow.

Product Features:
  • See catalog for application information
  • Offers Superior Protection From Arc-Thru and Crossfire
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MSD Ignition – Distributor Cap and Rotor Kit; MSD/Ford V8; 85-95 (Part No.8482)

Distributor Cap and Rotor Kit; MSD/Ford V8; 85-95

from

$52.99
The cap and rotor of any ignition system must be considered maintenance items. Just as you change the oil and filter of your car, you should always replace the cap and rotor as a set. To make things easy, we now offer these cap and rotor replacement kits.

Product Features:
  • Rynite Injection Molded Caps And Retainers
  • Designed w/Performance In Mind
  • High Quality; Voltage Insulating Material
  • Stainless Terminals
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MSD Ignition – Cap/Rotor Kit; MSD Style; (PN 8408; PN 8423) (Part No.84085)

Cap/Rotor Kit; MSD Style; (PN 8408; PN 8423)

from

$60.29
The cap and rotor of any ignition system must be considered maintenance items. Just as you change the oil and filter of your car, you should always replace the cap and rotor as a set. To make things easy, we now offer these cap and rotor replacement kits.

Product Features:
  • Injection Molded Housing From Dupont Material
  • Extreme Strength; High Dielectric Properties
  • Designed w/Performance In Mind
  • High Quality; Voltage Insulating Material
  • Stainless Steel Rotor Tip Design
  • Resist Carbon Tracking
  • Max Voltage Transfer
  • Stainless Terminals
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Accel – High-Performance Distributor Cap & Rotor Kit (Part No.8233)

High-Performance Distributor Cap & Rotor Kit

from

$53.09
ACCEL cap and rotor kits offer superior protection from “arc-thru” and crossfire. Features 60k V-rated alkyd compound, stress-relieved at molding to ensure stability. Brass inserts and steel rotor springs provide for high spark energy flow.

Product Features:
  • Features Protection From Arc Thru And Crossfire
  • Features 60k V Rated Alkyd Compound
  • Brass Terminals Inserts And Steel Rotor Springs
  • High Spark Energy Flow
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Accel – Distributor Cap And Rotor Kit (Part No.8230)

Distributor Cap And Rotor Kit

from

$108.99


Product Features:
  • Heavy Duty Cap and Rotor Kit
  • With Brass Inserts
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MSD Ignition – Distributor Cap; Ford HEI; Black (Part No.84083)

Distributor Cap; Ford HEI; Black

from

$61.19
All the quality and performance you’ve come to expect from MSD is now available in black. Our customers have requested black parts for their builds so we’ve answered with the addition of several black distributor caps and cap and rotor kits. The black parts are built to the exact specifications of the traditional MSD red components. If you’re looking to change up the look under the hood of your street machine, off-road rig or race car; check out the complete line of MSD black components.

Product Features:
  • Injection Molded From DuPont Rynite Material
  • Extreme strength; high dielectric properties
  • Designed with performance in mind
  • High quality; voltage insulating material
  • Brass terminals
  • Black in color
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1979 Ford Thunderbird Performance Distributors

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1979 Ford Thunderbird. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Distributors. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 25 different Performance Distributors in our inventory ranging from $10.99 to $691.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1979 Ford Thunderbird running smoothly.

Performance Distributors are only as good as their brand. We stock 6 different brands to make sure you have plenty of trusted parts to choose from for your 1979 Ford Thunderbird. MSD Ignition, Proform, and PerTronix 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 1979 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 1979 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1979 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.

Popular Proform Performance Distributors

We carry Proform parts in our stock across Performance Distributors categories, plus more. For a 1979 Ford Thunderbird, our most popular Proform Performance Distributors include:
Ford HEI Distributor, Red Cap, For Ford 289-302 V8 Engines
from $228.99
(4)
Ford HEI Distributor, Red Cap, For Ford 289-302 V8 Engines
Performance Distributors

FAQs for 1979 Ford Thunderbird Performance Distributors

What are the most purchased Performance Distributors for the 1979 Ford Thunderbird?

Out of 25 Performance Distributors for the 1979 Ford Thunderbird, the most popular in our inventory are:
D700700 Advance Spring Kit Flame-Thrower Billet Distributor
from $20.99
This product is not rated
D700700 Advance Spring Kit Flame-Thrower Billet Distributor
Performance Distributor Components
Distributor Cap/Rotor Kit; Ford Duraspark
from $56.99
This product is not rated
Distributor Cap/Rotor Kit; Ford Duraspark
Performance Distributor Cap and Rotor Kits
Chrome Distributor Hold-Down Clamp
from $13.29
This product is not rated
Chrome Distributor Hold-Down Clamp
Performance Distributor Components