ford fe distributor gears revisited

[wrench87]

last year i asked the same question but time has gone by and i want to see if anyone sells a composite gear that would be compatible with my comp cams hydraulic roller serial # on cam is m-3202-07 and my distributor is a msd part number 85947. i really hope i dont have to use the bronze gear.
this for my 445 fe stroker.

[wrench87]

I e mailed tech at comp cams they said to use a composite over a bronze, but did not say who makes them or where to find one?. does any one have any idea where to purchase one.

[blykins]

Do you have the grind number for the cam? There are retro fit cams from Comp that don't need steel/bronze/composite gears.

I would just use a steel gear from MSD or Crane.

MSD 85813

Crane 52971-1

[Barry_R]

We use the Crane gear on numerous builds with any problems at all.

[wrench87]

here is the grind # fb 3112r /3410b hr 112+4

[blykins]

There should be another number, like a 33-000-9 or similar.

When I order a roller cam, 99% of the time I'll order a steel core. However, I've gotten engines in for rebuilds that have had retro fit roller cams that are to be used with the factory distributor gears.

[wrench87]

the part number is 33-000-9

[blykins]

Steel cam....

One of the steel gears that I or Barry mentioned will work just fine.

[wrench87]

ok, thanks for the information, my only question is why does comp tell me that i can only run a bronze gear? is it because they are not familiar with the aftermarket?.

[blykins]

Not sure....but it may be because they don't sell a composite/steel gear for that particular application.

[Barry_R]

They only sel a bronze gear. They're not going to tell you to buy a competitor's part..
For a long time Crane was sole supplier - MSD only recently released their's.

[RICK LAKE]

wrench87 It's all who you know. I have a composite gear and no problems. The issues are perfect alignment of distributor in block to 90 degrees of camshafts. Limited movement of bottom of the distributor housing. End play of camshaft under .003" Need thrust plate and torrington bearing to work this out. Last a good supply of oil to the gears. Either a pressure supply spray direct to locating or return oil from valley of block to location.
Have been running gear for 7 years and no problems. The only issue is cracking from heat cycles over years. Have hphv oil pump with 135-138 psi cold start running. Have to let motor oil warm before doing any thing. Gear weight is nothing, in grams. Cost was over $200.00. A good steel gear will work fine with again the same setup as above. Rick L. Ps I don't like bronze gears in my motor either. They wear out around 10K miles with even good setups. Bronze going through a motor and bearings does less damage than steel partials but still does damage.