EP-8485 HEI Distributor for Volkswagen H4 Air-Cooled Engine (Replaces 0237013014)

The EP-8485 is an HEI-style high-output electronic ignition distributor for Volkswagen air-cooled H4 engines (Beetle, Bus/Transporter, Karmann Ghia, Type 3) across 1200, 1300, 1500, and 1600 CC displacements. VW H4-specific design — not a generic American V8 unit adapted with a VW gear. Eliminates points and condenser maintenance entirely. Red cap with brass terminals, high-output electronic coil, rotor, and electronic module. Fitment note: different from the VW 009 centrifugal distributor popular in hot rod applications. Replaces OEM 0237013014. ISO 9001:2015, CE-EMC, UL, UKCA certified.

EP Aftermarket Ignition Distributor

EP-8485 — HEI-Style Distributor for Volkswagen H4 Air-Cooled Engine

HEI-style distributor · Red cap · VW H4 air-cooled · 65,000V coil · Beetle Bus Karmann Ghia · Performance upgrade

ISO 9001:2015CE-EMCUKCAGlobal Export

Model

EP-8485

Type

HEI-Style

Engine

VW H4 Air-Cooled

Cap Color

Red

App

Performance Upgrade

Technical specifications

ParameterDetail
EP Model No.EP-8485
Product typeHEI-Style Ignition Distributor — Complete Assembly
Vehicle applicationVolkswagen air-cooled H4 engines — Beetle, Bus, Karmann Ghia, Type 3
EngineVolkswagen H4 air-cooled (1200, 1300, 1500, 1600 CC)
Replaces OEM0237013014 / various VW application
IncludesDistributor Body, High-Output Coil, Red Cap (brass terminals), Rotor, Electronic Module, Advance
CertificationISO 9001:2015 · CE-EMC · UL · UKCA
BrandEP (Ever-Power)

The EP-8485 brings HEI-style electronic ignition technology to the Volkswagen air-cooled H4 engine family — the iconic horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines that powered the Beetle, Bus, Karmann Ghia, and Type 3 across decades of worldwide production. While the HEI system was developed for American V8 engines, the concept of an integrated electronic ignition distributor with high-output coil is equally applicable to the VW air-cooled platform, where points-type ignition maintenance has traditionally been a significant ownership burden.

The EP-8485 adapts HEI-style high-output ignition technology to the VW H4's specific mounting and drive configuration. The H4 engine's unique cooling fan, distributor position, and firing sequence require a VW-specific distributor design — the EP-8485 is correctly engineered for these VW-specific requirements rather than being a generic American V8 unit with a VW adapter gear.

Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality management with VW H4-specific dimensional verification. Available for global export to the worldwide VW Beetle and Bus enthusiast community.

EP high-precision ignition distributor production equipment

Key features

VW air-cooled H4 specific design

Engineered for the VW Beetle, Bus, and Karmann Ghia air-cooled H4 engine configuration — not a V8 unit with an adapter.

High-output electronic ignition

HEI-style high-output coil and electronic module deliver stronger spark than original VW ignition components.

Eliminates points maintenance

Electronic module replaces contact-breaker points, eliminating the regular dwell angle adjustment and points replacement that air-cooled VW ownership traditionally requires.

Red cap global performance look

Red cap styling for VW performance and custom builds worldwide.

Vehicle fitment

MakeModelYearsEngine
VolkswagenBeetle (Type 1)1964-1979H4 1200 / 1300 / 1500 / 1600 CC
VolkswagenTransporter / Bus (T1/T2)1964-1979H4 1500 / 1600 / 1700 CC
VolkswagenKarmann Ghia1964-1974H4 1500 / 1600 CC
VolkswagenType 3 (Fastback / Squareback)1964-1973H4 1600 CC

EP HEI distributor full series compatibility overview

Application scenarios

VW Beetle and Bus performance upgrade

Classic Volkswagen Beetle and Bus owners upgrading from points to electronic ignition choose the EP-8485 for improved reliability and performance.

Karmann Ghia ignition modernization

Karmann Ghia owners maintaining these stylish VW-based sports cars use the EP-8485 to modernize the ignition while maintaining original appearance.

Global VW air-cooled aftermarket

EP exports the EP-8485 to the worldwide Volkswagen air-cooled enthusiast community in North America, Europe, South America, and Australia.

Installation guide

VW air-cooled distributors are accessed from the center-rear of the engine, between the valve covers. Disconnect the battery and the coil wire. Remove the distributor cap and note the rotor position. Mark the housing alignment against the engine case. Remove the clamp bolt and withdraw the old distributor. Lower the EP-8485 into position with the rotor in the same direction. Install the clamp bolt. Connect the coil wire. Set ignition timing per the VW specification for your engine year and displacement. Timing on air-cooled VW engines is sensitive to proper setting. Approximately 30-45 minutes.

Need pricing or technical assistance?

We respond within 24 hours · MOQ as low as 1 unit · OEM/private-label available

Quality assurance

Every EP HEI distributor is manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management. Each unit is individually tested for ignition coil output voltage, electronic module switching function, vacuum advance response, and shaft seal integrity before shipment. CE-EMC electromagnetic compatibility certification, UL listing, and UKCA conformity mark ensure full compliance across all major global export markets.

EP ISO 9001 CE EMC UL UKCA certifications

More EP HEI distributors

ModelApplicationEngine
EP-10AJeep AMC V8 290-401AMC V8 290-401
EP-10CChevy SBC 262-400 / BBC 396-454SBC/BBC V8 Red
EP-10Chevy SBC 262-400 / BBC 396-454SBC/BBC V8 Blue
EP-10BKChevy SBC 262-400 / BBC 396-454SBC/BBC V8 Black
EP-10-V6Chevy/Buick/Olds/Pont V6GM V6 229/262
EP-10TBChevy Corvette Tach DriveSBC/BBC Tach
EP-302HEA-1Ford 289-302 5.0 V8Ford SBF Blue
EP-302HEA-2Ford 351 Windsor V8Ford 351W Blue

About the manufacturer

EP (Ever-Power) — Automotive Ignition Specialist Since 1999

25+

Years in production

300+

Distributor models

80%

Export ratio

4

Certifications

HZPT is the international brand of Ningbo Xianlong Automobile Fittings Co., Ltd. We have manufactured more than 300 distributor models and 300 motor models since 1999, serving global aftermarket channels in North America, Europe, Australasia, and South America.

EP ignition distributor manufacturing facility

Our HEI series is engineered to the same specification as the leading American performance brands, with the advantage of factory-direct pricing for wholesale buyers. Every EP HEI distributor ships complete with the coil, cap, rotor, module, and vacuum advance canister — everything a shop or reseller needs in one box. EP is part of the Ever-Power Group, also producing drive chains and a comprehensive range of mechanical transmission products.

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of a failing HEI distributor?
Common symptoms include hard starting, engine misfires at high RPM, rough idle, loss of power under load, and occasional stalling. A failing HEI module (the most common failure component) typically causes complete spark loss when hot — the engine starts fine when cold, stalls after reaching operating temperature, and may restart after a cool-down period. A worn HEI cap with carbon tracking between towers causes crossfire and cylinder-specific misfires that worsen as the cap deteriorates.
Does the EP-8485 come with a cap, rotor, and coil?
Yes. The EP-8485 ships as a complete ready-to-run assembly including the distributor housing, 65,000-volt high-output ignition coil, distributor cap with brass terminals, rotor, ignition module, adjustable vacuum advance canister, and hold-down hardware. No additional ignition components are required for installation.
Is the EP-8485 compatible with the popular VW 009 centrifugal advance distributor used in Beetle hot rod applications?
The EP-8485 is a different design from the VW 009 centrifugal distributor. The 009 is a mechanical-advance-only unit popular for VW performance applications because of its pure centrifugal advance without vacuum advance. The EP-8485 is an HEI-style electronic ignition distributor for owners who want electronic ignition reliability with the option of vacuum advance. Both serve legitimate VW ignition upgrade purposes depending on the owner's preferences.
Is the EP HEI distributor compatible with aftermarket ignition boxes such as MSD?
EP HEI distributors with a magnetic pickup (Ready-to-Run style) are compatible with external ignition boxes including MSD 6-series, 7-series, and 8-series units, as well as equivalent ignition boxes from Mallory, Crane, and Holley. Standard HEI distributors with an internal module operate as standalone units and do not require an external ignition box, though they can be paired with one for additional timing control. Consult the ignition box manufacturer's instructions for the correct connection procedure.
How do I order the EP-8485 for export or wholesale?
EP supports single-unit orders for market sampling, carton quantities for repair shops, and container-volume wholesale orders. Standard production lead time is 15-30 days. OEM branding, private-label packaging, and custom color selection are available for qualifying volumes. Contact our team via the inquiry form or WhatsApp for pricing and availability.

Ready to order EP HEI distributors?

300+ models · 65K coil · Brass terminals · Factory-direct pricing · Global export

Disclaimer: Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, AMC, Holden, Volkswagen, and other vehicle brand names and OEM part numbers are used for product compatibility reference only. EP (Ever-Power) products are high-quality aftermarket replacement parts and are not affiliated with original vehicle or component manufacturers. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

LMC

Additional information

Editd by

LMC

Product Quick Detail:

  • Standard and non-standard available
  • With high quality and competitive price
  • Prompt delivery
  • Packing as per customer’s demand.

We promise will offer the best price by the high quality in china! We also accept special order about the products. If you are interested in our products. Please do not hesitate to let us know.We are pleased to give you the detailed information.We promise that our products would be safety and were in high quality and reasonable price. If you are interested in our products, please contact us asap.We are sincerely looking for your cooperation.

Most of our products are exported to Europe or Americas, both standard and nonstandard products available. We can produce as per your drawing or sample. Material can be standard or as per your special request. If you choose us, you choose reliable.

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Materials Available

1. Stainless Steel: SS201, SS303, SS304, SS316, SS416, SS420
2. Steel:C45(K1045), C46(K1046),C20
3. Brass:C36000 ( C26800), C37700 ( HPb59), C38500( HPb58), C27200(CuZn37), C28000(CuZn40)
4. Bronze: C51000, C52100, C54400, etc
5. Iron: 1213, 12L14,1215
6. Aluminum: Al6061, Al6063
7.OEM according to your request
product materials available

Surface Treatment

Annealing, natural canonization, heat treatment, polishing, nickel plating, chrome plating, zinc plating,yellow passivization, gold passivization, satin, Black surface painted etc.

Processing Method

CNC machining, punch,turning, milling, drilling, grinding, broaching, welding and assembly
product finishing

QC & Certificate

Technicians self-check in production,final-check before package by professional Quality inspector
ISO9001:2008 , ISO14001:2001,ISO/TS 16949:2009

Package & Lead Time

Size: Drawings
Wooden Case/Container and pallet, or as per customized specifications.
15-25days samples. 30-45days offcial order
Port: Shanghai/Ningbo port
product packages

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