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
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
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
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.
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
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
