Classic/Antique Car Repair: Ignition Parts, 331 hemi, chrysler new yorker

Question
Dick:
   I have had the pleasure and success, of asking you several questions in the past. I have always been pleased with your answers, and they have always resolved the issue in question. I now need your expert advice once again.

I have a 1954 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe, with a 331 Hemi motor, 6 volt electrical system, in it.

I am advised by my mechanic, that my distributor shaft bushings are worn.
I have located a NOS distributor, however, the vendor advises that it is listed for a 1955 Chrysler 300.

I would like to know, if this distributor will fit into my 1954 New Yorker.

I am told by another parts dealer, that they both have a dual set of points, and use the same cap and rotor.

As always, I would appreciate any help you can offer, and thank you in advance for all your previous help, and the help on this issue.

Respectfully,

Anthony J. Vitale  Retired Police Detective/ Shield # 246

Answer
I do remember your name, and I am glad to hear you are continuing to improve your '54 New Yorker - it is a car I have always admired for its fine engineering and solid appearance.  As I'm sure you knew, Howard Hughes shared our opinion!

The distributor will almost surely fit and work well.  The original distributor was part number IAZ-4001C, which was used in 1953 and 1954 only.  The distributor for the 55 '300' was also an IAZ-4001, although with a different final letter.  My book shows it as either an E,F or G, depending on which model of Chrysler, but does not specify which is for the '300'. All of these are dual point distributors.  

Since all of these cars used the 331 Hemi, I feel confident it will work in your car just fine, although the centrifugal advance curve may be somewhat more agressive.  

This could cause you some problem with "ping" on acceleration (which I doubt), but if that occurs, you can have the ignition timing set a degree or two less advanced than spec - that should clear it up.

The vacuum advance is the same, as is the breaker plate and point set, so I doubt there is any critical difference.

Finding an NOS distributor is a real stroke of luck for you.   Your old distributor can be rebuilt with new bushings by almost any old time mechanic, I've done this for my own cars for years.  However, finding an old geezer with the right tools and parts is getting harder and harder these days.  I'd certainly save the old distributor, perhaps have it rebuilt and then keep it for a spare.

You are quite welcome, and I wish you continued sucess with your beautiful car.

Dick