My 1964 Newport has the 361 BB. Points are no longer available. Trying to find an electronic ignition upgrade. MSD does not make one for this engine.
Any suggestions? Pertronix? Mallory?

I wish there was an MSD rrady to run to fit, but as near as I can tell there is not.

Thanks, hoping someone has been down this road before.

 

Should be the same Distributor as a 383 and 400.....

 

Thanks. I thought the same but the MSD distributors for the 383 are for the Chrysler 300 and that was a different distributor? So the MSd 383-400 apparently does not fit the 361. If that makes sense.
But it fits the Dodge 383.
You think they're wrong and the 300 and the Newport and New Yorker can take the same distributor?

 

Take a look.... ..... Call the vendor if you need to be sure...... Holley for the MSD, Pertronix, or Jegs,

https://www.proformparts.com/product...rysler-engines

 

https://www.proformparts.com/product...rysler-engines

 

Thanks, that's helpful. I am hoping I can find a 'ready to run ' model to avoid the ECU unit. The car is totally stock. It has been in my family since it new.

But at least I know where I can something to get it running right now

 

Call Holley and ask about the MSD... I think they just forgot to put it in the print???????

 

I'm wondering the same. It just seems odd nothing to fit the 361 since most 383 took the same distributors

 

I think I have the distributor issue solved. Waiting for parts. I checked my timing and there is only a mark on the harmonic balancer for TDC. No advance marks.

There must be a known distance on the balance wheel to mark say 10 degree increments?

Thanks JP

 

on old dampers you can’t trust TDC marks and must be verified. If the outer ring tends to slip on the old rubber making it impossible to time with a light. Verify TDC.

 

I Agree with Iowan on the checking TDC...... After that you will need a advanced reading timing light...

 

I put the pertronix D7142710 distributor in along with a MDS blaster 2 high vibration coil and new wires. Runs like a new car. With no effort it hit 100 mph and was still accelerating. Very smooth.

I suspect checking TDC would be a good idea. It runs well but I think a tad retarded on the timing.

FYI: this 361 engine just is not cross listed for distributors. IT's pretty clear that the MDS 8386 and Mallory and Pertronix all fit as long as the shaft is 3.5" . It took me forever to get the shaft lengths but once I had that bit of info, fitment was obvious. Inspite of Mallory, MSD and Pertronix stating they don't fit.

 

Happy to hear you got it all back up and running!!! Good job....
So dose that mean that it IS the same as the 383 and 400?
OR
Is it you have to check the distributor shaft mating length?

 

It is identical to the 383 and 400, they all have the 3.5" shaft. But not the 413, as near as I can tell

 

right. 413 is its own beast.

 

Glad things are working out but on a 60 year old motor I would check to make sure the damper outer ring hasn't spun changing the timing mark. That outer ring will fly apart given the chance.

Verifying the condition of the harmonic balancer should be something done to any older vehicle.