Cool...then you have exactly what I was talking about. Since yours was a
custom grind, they obviously pressed on a hardened cam gear, or used harder material to begin with as is mentioned in the article for their new series. Just because something is made from a "billit" it does not mean it is hardened.
Note that your comment was that a
majority of billet solid roller cams could use a steel distributor gear. As the linked article, and experience of folks here indicates, that's not true...at least not for FEs. The majority of Chevys, small blocks and even 385 Ford fitments...yes (for several years, in fact). Truth is...the mfgs developed hardened pressed on cam gears or materials for the cams themselves for the more popular motors being used. Before aluminum blocks, FEs simply weren't used in the same numbers as SB and BB Chevys, SB and 385 Fords, etc. If you go on Pantera sites, you'll find they had much the same problem as FE folks...simply because Clevelands (the fitment for Panteras) weren't as popular as Windsors.
I could only respond to what you asked, Anthony. Hope your experience of 500 miles continues....it would be good news for everyone with FEs who want to run a solid roller, if they choose to do so. I normally got about 1500 miles on a bronze gear before it busted or I would swap it out (and it would be razor sharp from wear at that).
After folks report thousands of miles on FEs with the new steel gear fitment, I may give it a try myself. Should work though, given the experience gained with other engine fitments. Good luck!
Keep blipping the throttle!
