1981 Ford Fairmont Performance Distributors

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

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

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’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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Performance mechanical advance springs.

Product Features:

• PerTronix D700700 Advance Spring Kit Flame-Thrower Billet Distributor
• Performance mechanical advance springs.

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.

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.

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

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.

Competition design uses a stud, washer & nut to secure the clamp rather than a bolt. The clamp itself is also chromed. Fits 1962-2001 Small Block Ford V8s, including both Windsor and Cleveland as well as Ford 385 series 429/460 big blocks including Boss models.

Product Features:

• Eliminates bolt in favor of stud mount design
• Chrome plated
• Ideal For Ignition Distributor