Chrysler 331/354 Early Hemi V8 HEI Distributor

This HEI-style distributor is built specifically for the Chrysler Early Hemi (FirePower) V8 — 331 and 354 CID. It integrates a magnetic trigger and a 65,000-volt internal coil, so there's no external coil or ignition box to source separately.

This distributor is not compatible with the 392 raised-deck Hemi, or with the 426 Hemi (Gen II) or modern Hemi engines — it fits the 331/354 exclusively. It also will not fit raised-deck blocks. Confirm your specific early Hemi displacement before ordering, since the 331/354 and 392 use different deck heights and distributor drive requirements.

This distributor requires a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator. It is not compatible with generator-based charging systems or vehicles still running a ballast resistor in the ignition circuit — the ballast resistor must be removed or bypassed before installation. Many factory vehicles that used this engine (1951–1955 models) were originally built with 6-volt systems and will need a 12V conversion and ballast resistor bypass completed before this distributor can be installed; 1956 model-year vehicles may already have factory 12V systems, but this should be confirmed per vehicle.

Factory vehicle applications include the 1951–1952 Chrysler Saratoga; 1951–1955 Chrysler Imperial, Newport, New Yorker, and Town & Country; and the 1956 Chrysler 300, Nassau, Newport, New Yorker, St. Regis, and Town & Country.

 

Performance Benefit
The 65,000-volt internal coil delivers stronger spark output than the factory points-style ignition originally used on these engines, supporting easier cold starts and more consistent spark across the RPM range. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, with a vacuum advance adjustment tool shipped in the box so the advance curve can be tuned for your specific engine and driving conditions.

COMPATIBLE WITH
CHRYSLER EARLY HEMI V8 (FIREPOWER — GEN. I)
• 5.4L / 331 in³
• 5.8L / 354 in³

NOTES
• Fits Chrysler FirePower Early Hemi V8 engines (331 and 354) in 1951–1958 applications.
• Not compatible with Chrysler 392 raised deck Early Hemi engines — the 392 requires a different distributor.
Not compatible with Chrysler 426 Hemi Gen. II (1966–1971).
• Not compatible with Gen. III Hemi (5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L) — modern Hemi engines are not distributor-based.
• Will not fit raised deck blocks.
• Vehicles with 6-volt electrical systems (pre-1953) must upgrade to a 12-volt battery and remove or bypass the ballast resistor before installation.
• Designed for carbureted HEI ignition systems only.
• This distributor is designed for a 12 volt electrical system with an alternator. 
• It is not compatible with a generator and cannot be used with a ballast resistor.
• Distributor gear compatibility should be verified with camshaft material prior to installation.

COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
Chrysler Saratoga (331, 1951–1955)
Chrysler Imperial (331, 1951–1955; 354, 1956–1958)
Chrysler Newport (331, 1951–1955; 354, 1956–1958)
Chrysler New Yorker (331, 1951–1955; 354, 1956–1958)
Chrysler Town & Country (331, 1951–1955; 354, 1956–1958)
Chrysler 300 / 300B (354, 1955–1956)
Chrysler Nassau / St. Regis (354, 1956)

SPECIFICATIONS
Trigger Style: Magnetic
Cap Color: Available in Red, Black, Orange
Advance Type: Mechanical and Vacuum
Cap Style: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: No
Slip Collar: No
Coil Included: Yes
Coil Type: Internal
Required Coil Output: 65,000+ Volts
Housing Material: Machined Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 8
Included: Vacuum Advance Adjustment Tool, Installation Instructions