Tune up parts

CSONGER

MEMBER
1974 DODGE CHALLENGER
87,000 MILES

I cannot seem to find anyone who can tell me the part numbers of the distributor cap, rotor and points/condenser for my car with a 360 engine
It is the points that have everyone stumped I presume. I want to do a tune up and would simply like to have the parts before I start. I guess I could pull the old ones and go from there, but like I said I would like to have things ready to just swap them out.
These kids at the parts stores do not have a clue!

Thanks.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Good luck finding breaker points for your car. Chrysler has always been the biggest innovator in things that benefit the car owners. As such, they invented the "AC generator" and copyrighted the term, "alternator". Those were used on 1960 models. GM and Ford followed four and five years later with their versions. Chrysler was first with the electronic voltage regulator, (1970), first with anti-lock brakes, (1969), and first with truly electronic ignition, (1972 on Dodges and 1973 on Plymouth's and Chrysler's). You have electronic ignition so there are no breaker points in your distributor. I have a 1972 Challenger 340. It also has electronic ignition. You can identify them by the small control module on the right inner fender or on the firewall. It has an odd-shaped oval five-pin connector. Newer versions, such as on my 1980 Volare, use the same connector, but with just four of those wires in it.

Another thing Chrysler is famous for is great parts interchangeability between years and models. Your electronic distributor can be dropped into any older small block engine, (273, 318, 340, and 360), to convert it from points to electronic ignition. Your distributor cap and rotor are also the same as were used with breaker points. They will work on both the points and the electronic distributors all the way up to the 318 in 1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenues. As I recall, I think you will even find them on much newer full-size "B" vans with the 318 engine.

Your tune-up involves spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor, air filter, and oil change. Change the coolant if it is more than two years old as that is about the time the critical additives wear out. If you really want to get carried away, there is a replaceable filter on the bottom of the charcoal canister, and all manufacturers recommend replacing the brake fluid periodically since it absorbs moisture from the air. That lowers its boiling point and promotes corrosion. I would not be too concerned with the fuel filter. On Chrysler products, they commonly last the life of the vehicle unless they rust out and start leaking.