Got the HEI installed with the original cap, rotor and plug wires and she ran great, much improved. Got out there today and installed the new cap, rotor, 8mm plug wires, regapped the plugs to .042 and she ran like crap. I had previously installed the NGK ZFR5N plugs a few weeks ago. Idled OK but increase the rpms and she runs real rough. Took her for a test drive and ran terribly, stuttering and no power. Brought her back home and thought I might have overdone it on the plugs so regapped them back down to .035. Still no good. Replaced #1 and #2 plug wires with the originals and no change. So I went back in with the old cap, rotor and plug wires, cleaned the contacts, and she runs fine.

I didn't buy the Standard-Bluestreak CH-410X, just the CH-410. It said they were interchangeable. Also forgot to order the Echlin long-tip rotor so I grabbed a stock BWD at the parts store today. I'm using new Accel 8mm wires. I feel like I did a decent job fabbing the ends.

Could the cap and rotor be my issue? Any and all input/advice is greatly appreciated!

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1974 Dodge Dart, 225cid, A904, Factory A/C, "Special Edition"

Two plug wires landed on wrong plugs, recheck firing order.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

Already double and triple checked plug wires and firing order. Thanks!

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1974 Dodge Dart, 225cid, A904, Factory A/C, "Special Edition"

You may need to recheck this, nicking the central wire or not getting it to contact the crimp properly will cause misfires...I have found that using a plug wire stripper/crimp tool is much more consistent than the vise tool they send with some kits, and trying to do it by hand with a pair of pliers...recheck your leads and crimps.

I do have my doubts about the wire crimps. The wire kit came with 90* boots which I didn't like. Just ordered a straight boot/terminal kit and a ratcheting crimper designed for 8mm+ plug wires. I'll recrimp and try it again. Thanks!

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1974 Dodge Dart, 225cid, A904, Factory A/C, "Special Edition"

You may have a cap that was ground off center. That has happened before.

I tried ordering the premium cap 2 times and both times it came in as the standard cap.

Rick

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

Since you mentioned that I pulled the cap out and measured the contacts to the center, with a tape measure. If they're off if it's by a gnat's hair. It does have brass contacts at least. Thanks!

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1974 Dodge Dart, 225cid, A904, Factory A/C, "Special Edition"

The last SMP premium cap I ordered was cut off center, SMP going to C**P too?

Dave

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86 Miser 170,000+
2 1/4" exhaust
Holley 1920 #55
HEI MSD BLaster 2
17.8 mpg

I have had two new caps not work.. One from Autozone, one from Oreilly's.. They both sell crap products now.

I have also had to return distributors on two occasions to Oreilly's because they did not work.

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Slant power!!!
At least I try...

I too, have had to return distributors. The one from O'Reillys never even made it out of the store it was so sloppy. The other was a NEW one from CarQuest and the vacuum advance never worked at all.
Ended up with a used one from a scrap yard.

I too, have had to return distributors. The one from O'Reillys never even made it out of the store it was so sloppy. The other was a NEW one from CarQuest and the vacuum advance never worked at all.
Ended up with a used one from a scrap yard.

Maybe if we print it out a biiiiiiiiiig banner spelling out in giant black block letters on a high-visibility fluorescent yellow background: "Remanufactured" parts are junk. "100% new!" knockoffs from China are junk. There's no reason to put up with this junk when you can get a real new Chrysler distributor from Old Car Parts Northwest and/or a custom-curved unit from DusterIdiot here on this site. As described in detail in the HEI upgrade article.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

You are right Dan, now & in your article. However, there are so many armchair mechanic perfectionists on the internet that I take nothing for face value when spending my money or time.
That said, you are not one of these armchair mechanic perfectionists. Your advise has been solid thus far. Just realize; not everyone is going to believe you.

You are right Dan, now & in your article. However, there are so many armchair mechanic perfectionists on the internet that I take nothing for face value when spending my money or time.
That said, you are not one of these armchair mechanic perfectionists. Your advise has been solid thus far. Just realize; not everyone is going to believe you.

Dan, as always,,, the test of time has proved you right, at least in my case.
I do not buy anything from Autozone, I do not buy anything from Oreilly's...
Junk, junk, junk.......

But, I decided to start working on my own engine because I got tired of paying the super elevated fees of these mechanics.

And, as a beginner, the only names we know are Autozone, and Oreilly. When I read that these were "junk", I did not really understand. I thought that by your high professional knowledge standards they were junk, but that for my everyday use standards that the parts should be ok.

I now understand that by anyone's standards these replacement parts are garbage!!! Junk!! More expensive in the long run!! Inferior quality!! Unreliable!! Will break down and leave you stranded!!

I Agree with you.. Your comment should be posted as an opening statement on the Home Page..

Next to it, we should also post a list of reliable sources...

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Slant power!!!
At least I try...