Chrysler SB 318/360 V8 Ready to Run Distributor
Chrysler SB 318/360 V8 Ready to Run Distributor
SKU: SKU: JM6713R
In stock
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Product Details
Features
- Ready-to-run distributor upgrade for Chrysler 273/318/340/360 LA small block V8s
- Hall-effect reluctor trigger holds consistent spark timing through the RPM range
- Direct fit for Dodge Dart, Challenger, Ramcharger & Plymouth Fury LA-block engines
- Aluminum housing, external-coil design built for street and performance driving
Description
The TSP Ready to Run Distributor for Chrysler SB 318/360 is a Hall-effect ignition upgrade for the Chrysler/Mopar LA small block V8 family — 273, 318, 340, and 360 CID. It uses a multi-pole reluctor (Hall-effect) trigger in place of breaker points, delivering consistent spark timing across the RPM range without point gap adjustments.
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. Vehicles originally built with a 6-volt system (pre-1956) will need a 12V conversion completed first, or this distributor will not fire correctly.
Engine fitment covers the Chrysler LA small block family — 273 (4.5L), 318 (5.2L), 340 (5.6L), and 360 (5.9L) CID — commonly found in the Dodge Dart, Challenger, Ramcharger, Plymouth Fury, and Chrysler Cordoba. This distributor is not designed to fit Chrysler Magnum-series V8s.
What Is a "Ready to Run" Distributor and Do I Need an Ignition Box?
Ready to Run means the distributor's Hall-effect trigger fires the coil directly — no separate ignition box or control module is needed, unlike breaker-point systems that route through a ballast resistor and coil in series. This unit does still require an external coil (not included), so budget for that separately if you're replacing a factory points setup. If your current coil is rated below 35,000 volts, upgrade it alongside this distributor for full performance.
Male Terminal Cap and Coil Compatibility
This version uses a male-terminal distributor cap. Confirm your existing coil and plug wire ends match a male-terminal connection before ordering — a female-cap version of this same distributor (SKU JM6713FR) is available if your ignition harness requires the opposite terminal style.
Performance Benefit
The Hall-effect reluctor trigger holds ignition timing more consistently than a worn points setup, without the gap drift that develops in breaker-point systems over time. Mechanical and vacuum advance work together to shape the timing curve for street-driven and performance applications. The aluminum housing and precision shaft support keep the unit accurate under sustained RPM.
Specs
| Trigger Type | Multi-Pole Reluctor (Halls Effect) |
| Advance Type | Mechanical and Vacuum |
| Distributor Type | Ready to Run |
| Rotation Direction | Clockwise |
| Cap Color | Available in Black, Blue, Red |
| Terminal Gender | Male |
| Mechanical Tach Drive | No |
| Slip Collar | No |
| Coil Included | No |
| Coil Type | External |
| Recommended Coil Output | 35,000+ V |
| Housing Material | Aluminum |
| Ignition Box Required | No |
| Marine Use | No |
| Cylinders | 8 |
Engine Fitment
COMPATIBLE WITH
CHRYSLER SMALL BLOCK "LA" V8
• 4.5L / 273 in³
• 5.2L / 318 in³
• 5.6L / 340 in³
• 5.9L / 360 in³
NOTES
• Fits Chrysler/Mopar LA small block V8 engines (273, 318, 340, and 360).
• Not compatible with Magnum 5.2L or 5.9L engines (1992 and newer) — Magnum engines require a different distributor.
• The 360 was used in passenger cars through 1980 only; truck/van applications continued through 1992.
• 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 before installation.
COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
Plymouth Valiant / Dodge Dart (273, 1964–1969; 318, 1967–1976; 340, 1968–1973; 360, 1974–1976)
Plymouth Barracuda / Dodge Challenger (273, 1964–1969; 318, 1970–1974; 340, 1970–1973; 360, 1971–1974)
Plymouth Duster / Dodge Demon (318, 1971–1976; 340, 1971–1973; 360, 1974–1976)
Plymouth Road Runner / Satellite / GTX (318, 1968–1975; 340, 1971–1973; 360, 1974–1975)
Dodge Charger / Plymouth Fury (318, 1967–1978; 340, 1968–1973; 360, 1971–1978)
Dodge Diplomat / Plymouth Volare / Chrysler Cordoba (318, 1975–1989; 360, 1975–1980)
Dodge Ramcharger / Plymouth Trail Duster (318, 1974–1992; 360, 1974–1980)
Dodge D/W-Series Trucks (273, 1965–1969; 318, 1967–1991; 360, 1971–1992)
Dodge B-Series Vans (318, 1967–1991; 360, 1971–1992)
Dodge Li'l Red Express (360 EH1, 1978–1979)
Q&A
What rotation direction does this distributor turn?
Clockwise. This distributor is built for the Chrysler LA small block V8 family (273/318/340/360), which rotates clockwise on standard automotive applications. (Reverse-rotation marine variants of these engines are not covered by this listing.)
Does this distributor require an ignition box?
No. This is a Ready to Run distributor with a built-in Hall-effect trigger; it does require an external coil rated at 35,000+ volts, which is not included.
Will this fit a 1970 Dodge Dart with a 318?
Yes — this distributor is built for the Chrysler LA small block family (273/318/340/360 CID), which the factory 318 in a 1970 Dart uses.
Can I run this with a points-style ignition harness?
No — this distributor replaces the points trigger with a Hall-effect reluctor, so it requires a compatible coil and a 12-volt charging system rather than the original points/condenser wiring.
Does this distributor work with a generator-based 6-volt or 12-volt charging system?
No — this distributor requires a 12-volt system with an alternator and is not compatible with generators or systems still using a ballast resistor.
What's the difference between the mechanical and vacuum advance on this unit?
Mechanical advance adjusts timing based on engine RPM; vacuum advance adjusts timing based on engine load/manifold vacuum — this distributor uses both together for street-driven timing curves.
Will this fit a Magnum 318 or 360?
No — this distributor is built for the LA-series small block only and will not fit Magnum-series Chrysler V8s.
Does the distributor gear work with a roller cam?
Gear material should be matched to camshaft type (steel gear for roller cams, per standard Mopar distributor gear compatibility) — confirm gear material before installing on a roller cam application.
Emissions Notice
This Top Street Performance (TSP) product is designed for racing and off-road competition use only. It is not legal for use on public roads or emissions-controlled vehicles and does not comply with federal, state, or local emissions regulations. The buyer assumes all responsibility for legal use and installation.
What is a Emissions-Controlled Vehicle?
"An emissions-controlled vehicle is any vehicle equipped with a factory-installed emissions control system designed to reduce air pollution. These systems include catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valves, and diesel particulate filters (DPF). Most vehicles manufactured after 1975 are considered emissions-controlled and must comply with federal and state emissions laws when used on public roads."
it was exactly as listed. worked great!
Chrysler SB 318/360 V8 Ready to Run Distributor
The TSP Ready to Run Distributor for Chrysler SB 318/360 is a Hall-effect ignition upgrade for the Chrysler/Mopar LA small block V8 family — 273, 318, 340, and 360 CID. It uses a multi-pole reluctor (Hall-effect) trigger in place of breaker points, delivering consistent spark timing across the RPM range without point gap adjustments.
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. Vehicles originally built with a 6-volt system (pre-1956) will need a 12V conversion completed first, or this distributor will not fire correctly.
Engine fitment covers the Chrysler LA small block family — 273 (4.5L), 318 (5.2L), 340 (5.6L), and 360 (5.9L) CID — commonly found in the Dodge Dart, Challenger, Ramcharger, Plymouth Fury, and Chrysler Cordoba. This distributor is not designed to fit Chrysler Magnum-series V8s.
What Is a "Ready to Run" Distributor and Do I Need an Ignition Box?
Ready to Run means the distributor's Hall-effect trigger fires the coil directly — no separate ignition box or control module is needed, unlike breaker-point systems that route through a ballast resistor and coil in series. This unit does still require an external coil (not included), so budget for that separately if you're replacing a factory points setup. If your current coil is rated below 35,000 volts, upgrade it alongside this distributor for full performance.
Male Terminal Cap and Coil Compatibility
This version uses a male-terminal distributor cap. Confirm your existing coil and plug wire ends match a male-terminal connection before ordering — a female-cap version of this same distributor (SKU JM6713FR) is available if your ignition harness requires the opposite terminal style.
Performance Benefit
The Hall-effect reluctor trigger holds ignition timing more consistently than a worn points setup, without the gap drift that develops in breaker-point systems over time. Mechanical and vacuum advance work together to shape the timing curve for street-driven and performance applications. The aluminum housing and precision shaft support keep the unit accurate under sustained RPM.
COMPATIBLE WITH
CHRYSLER SMALL BLOCK "LA" V8
• 4.5L / 273 in³
• 5.2L / 318 in³
• 5.6L / 340 in³
• 5.9L / 360 in³
NOTES
• Fits Chrysler/Mopar LA small block V8 engines (273, 318, 340, and 360).
• Not compatible with Magnum 5.2L or 5.9L engines (1992 and newer) — Magnum engines require a different distributor.
• The 360 was used in passenger cars through 1980 only; truck/van applications continued through 1992.
• 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 before installation.
COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
Plymouth Valiant / Dodge Dart (273, 1964–1969; 318, 1967–1976; 340, 1968–1973; 360, 1974–1976)
Plymouth Barracuda / Dodge Challenger (273, 1964–1969; 318, 1970–1974; 340, 1970–1973; 360, 1971–1974)
Plymouth Duster / Dodge Demon (318, 1971–1976; 340, 1971–1973; 360, 1974–1976)
Plymouth Road Runner / Satellite / GTX (318, 1968–1975; 340, 1971–1973; 360, 1974–1975)
Dodge Charger / Plymouth Fury (318, 1967–1978; 340, 1968–1973; 360, 1971–1978)
Dodge Diplomat / Plymouth Volare / Chrysler Cordoba (318, 1975–1989; 360, 1975–1980)
Dodge Ramcharger / Plymouth Trail Duster (318, 1974–1992; 360, 1974–1980)
Dodge D/W-Series Trucks (273, 1965–1969; 318, 1967–1991; 360, 1971–1992)
Dodge B-Series Vans (318, 1967–1991; 360, 1971–1992)
Dodge Li'l Red Express (360 EH1, 1978–1979)
SPECIFICATIONS
Trigger Type: Multi-Pole Reluctor (Halls Effect)
Advance Type: Mechanical and Vacuum
Distributor Type: Ready to Run
Rotation Direction: Clockwise
Cap Color: Available in Black, Blue, Red
Terminal Gender: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: No
Slip Collar: No
Coil Included: No
Coil Type: External
Recommended Coil Output: 35,000+ V
Housing Material: Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 8
