Chrysler 331/354 Early Hemi V8 HEI Distributor

• HEI-style distributor for Chrysler Early Hemi (FirePower) 331 and 354 V8s only

• Internal 65,000V coil eliminates need for external coil or ignition box

• Correct fit for '51–'56 Chrysler Saratoga, Imperial, New Yorker & 300

• Not compatible with 392 raised-deck Hemi or 426 Hemi Gen II

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.

What applications is this distributor compatible with?
This distributor fits the Chrysler Early Hemi (FirePower Gen I) 331 and 354 CID V8 engines. Confirmed applications include the 1951–1952 Chrysler Saratoga and 1951–1955 Chrysler Imperial, Newport, New Yorker, and Town & Country, as well as 1956 Chrysler 300, Nassau, Newport, New Yorker, St. Regis, and Town & Country models equipped with the 331 or 354 FirePower Hemi.

Will this distributor fit a 392 Hemi?
No. This distributor is designed specifically for the 331 and 354 CID Early Hemi engines and is not compatible with the 392 CID raised-deck FirePower Hemi.

Will this distributor fit a 426 Hemi?
No. This distributor is designed exclusively for the 331 and 354 CID FirePower Gen I Hemi engines. It is not compatible with the 426 Street Hemi (Gen II) or any modern Chrysler Hemi engines.

Does my vehicle need a 12-volt conversion before installing this distributor?
If your vehicle is a 1951–1955 model retaining its original 6-volt electrical system, then yes. This distributor requires a 12-volt electrical system with a charging alternator and the ballast resistor must be bypassed or removed before installation. It is not compatible with 6-volt systems or generator-equipped vehicles.

Does this distributor include an ignition coil?
Yes. This HEI distributor features an integrated 65,000-volt ignition coil built into the distributor cap. No external ignition coil or ignition box is required. Simply connect a switched 12-volt power source for operation.

Will this distributor fit a raised-deck block?
No. This distributor is designed for the 331 and 354 CID Early Hemi engines only and is not compatible with the 392 CID raised-deck FirePower Hemi.