Stock distributor gear OK?

[DougD]

I have a rebuilt factory Duraspark electronic distributor I'm about to install on my 427. I'm running an old school Competition Cams solid lifter camshaft. I have no idea from what material this cam is made.

The Duraspark I believe has a cast iron gear - can I use this gear with my cam, or if not, from what material should my gear be made?

[Wbulk]

COMP Cams® Quick Tech: Selecting The Correct Distributor Gear - CPG Nation Forum

[DougD]

Wbulk
Thanks for the link. Looks like the standard cast iron gear will suffice.

[RICK LAKE]

DougD Doug Doug if Gessford built the motor they should supply you with the correct gear for the application. I am sure that them have done the other checks before selling you a motor. Rick L.

[DougD]

Rick
You´re right - George should know. I just thought I´d ask the vast knowlege base here for an opinion.

I really haven´t had any problems so far with the 427 that Gessford built me. It starts and runs very nicely. And the MSD billet dist has been trouble free so far, as well. But I´ve become concerned with distributor issues from what I´ve read, and I will often be on the road, far from home, and don´t want any problems. I´m also interested in the drivability and mileage benefits the vacuum advance will provide.

Doug

[RICK LAKE]

DougD Doug I can tell you that you can run a plastic gear on your distributor I have run a composite gear on my car for a test. Problem is running a 100# spring in the oil pump and the amount of stress on the gears and drive to run this setup. There is no show of wear but have done everything to extend the life of this gear. direct oiling to this gear to gear location. Camshaft end play is .003". there is almost no movement from my camshaft. I am running a torrington bearing kit and plate. We all have different motors we are driving. What works for some doesn't work for all. this is why you pay for a custom built motor. here's the list of possiblitities,
Bronze gear short life no wear and tear on camshaft gear. designed to wear out in any wear from 2k to 15K miles. down side, bronze partials going through motor. They will do less damage that steel or iron.
Iron gear works with most camshafts if they are not billet. with correct setup will last 100k miles
Steel gears work with billet camshafts. with good oil splash last a life time
Composite gears, are made from carbon and graphite. Have 7 year and no wear pattern on it yet. Worry about life span with heat cycles. Cost is over $100.00 for gear. This is for looking to save a coupel of grams and get an extra 5-20 rpms out of a motor with no weight to spin or move.
The best thing I can tell you to carry in the trunk is a repair kit of MSD parts, 1 6al box with connectors for a swap, 1 complete distributor, 1 coil and all the tools you needed to change this on the side of the road unless you have AAA towing. I have seen caps and rotors cause more breakdowns than any thing else. Don't forget a good flashlight or 12volt trouble light.
As far as vacuum advance, how well this will work depends on how much vacuum this motor can produce running. This has alot to do with camshaft and LSA. Mine is locked out because of FI system controls my timing. I can offer no info on this. Need to watch qualitity of fuel, how lean motor could run, burning out of exhaust valves if your exhaust has no back pressure. Rick L.