Variable ignition distributor

In a distributor for an internal combustion engine comprising:

• a distributor cap;
• an inlet terminal provided on said distributor cap connectable to an ignition coil of the engine;
• a plurality of terminals provided on said distributor cap connectable to individual spark plugs disposed in cylinders of the engine;
• a rotor disposed within said distributor cap and positionable on a camshaft of a distributor system of the engine;
• a contact member carried by said rotor for establishing an electrical circuit between the inlet terminal and individual ones of said terminals connectable to individual spark plugs as said rotor is rotated by said camshaft to thereby furnish main ignition charges to the spark plugs connected to said individual ones of said plurality of terminals, the improvement comprising:
• a variable ignition electrode carried by said rotor for furnishing a low voltage spark to one of said individual ones of said terminals to thereby generate a spark in one of the cylinders to facilitate ionization of fuel in the cylinder prior to the main ignition charge being furnished said one cylinder;
• and
• means reponsive to establishment of an electrical circuit between the inlet terminal and an individual one of said terminals for furnishing power to said variable ignition electrode.