Chrysler Repair: 2,5 V-6 dies when warm, crank sensor code; replaced distributor, crank sensor, factory distributor

Question
I have a 1999 Cirrus with the 2.5 V-6 that started to die after it warms up.  It cranks fine but won't start until it cools down.  Then it will run fine until it heats up again. We replaced the Spark plugs, wires, and The fuel pump and filter.  Our mechanic got a code that said it was the crank sensor so he replaced the distributor, it still did the exact same thing.  So we took it to a dealer and they said it was the distributor, and that only a "factory" one would work ($1,000 compared to the $360 aftermarket).  So i figured maybe we got a bad distributor and had our mechanic replace the aftermarket one he had put on with another aftermarket one (he returned the previous one so it only cost us labor)  And we still have the same problem.  Our mechanic thinks it's the computer, but I don't want to just throw parts at it.  Do you think there is any validity to the dealers claim that only a factory distributor will work.  

Answer
Hi Ezra,
I have no basis for supporting the dealer or the mechanic as I have not heard that argument before about the distributor of the 2.5 V-6.
I wonder about your mechanic's skills however. If he got a code for the crank sensor then replacing the distributor was the wrong part to change! The crank sensor is actually mounted in the bell housing area near the interface between the engine and the transmission and its tip is nearly in contact with the flex plate, which rotates on the crankshaft itself. The distributor only contains the cam sensor. So I believe that the old distributor was fine and he needed to actually replace the crank sensor. It comes with a paper tip on the end of the sensor and so when it is installed you touch the tip against the edge of flexplate, tighten it down, and then when the engine turns over the paper wears away and leaves the sensor just slightly removed from the surface. You can probably do this yourself, but I think in light of all that has gone on you are due major restitution from the mechanic.
If there is a misunderstanding, and the code he got was for the cam sensor, then my question would be is that still the fault code or not. It could be something else so another readout is needed. But I would resolve this issue of whether the code was for the crank sensor (P0320) or for the cam sensor (P0340). You can often get a free readout from Autozone.
So let's not throw anymore parts at the problem, unless it is the correct part.
Roland