Chrysler 331/354 Early Hemi V8 Pro Series Ready to Run Distributor

This Pro Series Ready to Run distributor is built specifically for the Chrysler Early Hemi (FirePower, Gen I) V8 — 331 and 354 CID — using a circuit board module with a magnetic pick-up trigger for consistent spark delivery without breaker points. Rotation is clockwise.

This distributor requires an external coil rated at 35,000+ volts (not included) and 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.

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, and will not fit raised-deck blocks.

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.

 

What's Included with This Pro Series Distributor?
This kit ships with 3 bushings and 4 springs for the mechanical advance (allowing the advance curve to be tuned), a color-matched spark plug wire retainer with screws, a black vacuum advance block-off plate, a power extension cable, and a tachometer output extension cable.

Performance Benefit
The circuit board module and magnetic pick-up trigger hold ignition timing more consistently than a worn points setup, without the gap drift that develops in breaker-point systems over time. The included bushing/spring kit allows the mechanical advance curve to be tuned to your engine combination, and the included extension cables and hardware simplify wiring and cap alignment during installation.

COMPATIBLE WITH
CHRYSLER HEMI V8 GEN. I ("FIREPOWER") 
• 5.4 L / 331 in3 
• 5.8 L / 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.
• Ready-to-run design with external coil — no ignition box required.
• 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 ignition systems only.
• This distributor is designed for a 12 volt electrical system with an alternator and a performance ignition coil of 35,000 V or more. 
• 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: Circuit Board Module with Magnetic Pick-up
Distributor Rotation: Clockwise
Advance Type: Mechanical and Vacuum
Cap Color: Available in Red, Black
Distributor Type: Pro Series Ready to Run
Cap Style: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: No
Slip Collar: No
Coil Included: No
Coil Type: External
Required Coil Output: 35,000+ Volts
Housing Material: Machined Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 8
Included: 3 Bushings and 4 Springs for Mechanical Advance
Color-Matched Spark Plug Wire Retainer with Screws
Vacuum Advance Block-off Plate (Black)
Power Extension Cable
Tachometer Output Extension Cable