fe distributor gear question

wrench87 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-15-2008, 05:16 PM

i have a special mallory fe distributor with a tfi module so i can run the mass flo fuel inj on my 445 stroker it will use a ford a9l computer any way i qustioned the gear on the distributor with chris from mass flo fuel inj he said the gear would be fine with a hydraulic roller cam. i actually got a number on the gear itself #24903 so i called mallory they said it would be ok as long as the cam was not made with 8620 or 9310 steel. i called comp cams and gave him my cam serial # and they said it was made from 8620 steel and said i should use a bronze gear?. the guy from keith craft said they only use bronze on there solid cams and gave me a ford # m-12390-j wich is a steel gear but lists it for all 351c-351m 400/429/460?. not knowing anything about these engines will that gear work on a fe?. what distributor gear are other people using successfully?.

RICK LAKE · #2 (**permalink**) 02-15-2008, 05:58 PM

wrench87 I am running a carbon ultra poly composite gear. I got mine from the guys that sells them to comp cams. Jegs and summit sell them. They are better than a bronze gear because of the gear is not metal and is stronger than bronze. No metal shavings in the oil to get into the motor. Shop around for a good price. Rick L.

wrench87 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 04:46 AM

rick does that type of gear come with a predrilled hole for the pin or did you have to drill it yourself?

Anthony · #4 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 05:05 AM

No matter what, you should de-burr the gear on the cam, as I think it may enhance the distributor gear life no matter the material.

If my memory serves me right, the "stock" FE distributor shaft size is something like 0.484" . A 351C/429 shaft size is 0.530" . I believe the gears are the same except for the internal shaft diameter. MSD FE distributors use a 0.530" (429 size) shaft, so that is why you would use a 429 gear on their FE distributor. You need to mic the shaft diameter on your distributor to get the true shaft size, and thus correct gear.

My replacement gear was a press on, and then I had to drill another hole, but, you need to make sure the gear is positioned at a correct distance on the shaft.

RICK LAKE · #5 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 05:23 AM

wrench87 You have to drill the hole in the gear and shaft. I didn't want to holes in my main shaft with the HVHP oil pump I run. I replaced the main shaft in the distributor also and resetup the unit with the end play just a little under spec. You need to press it on and get a spiral pin for the gear and shaft, DON'T USE A PRESS PIN. Press pin has an opening, the spiral pin looks like a coil spring. It's about 3 times stronger. When you pull your distributor and look at the pin, you will see the differents. Some guys goto the next size up pin. This is up to you. The shaft was about $80.00 dollars. That was 6 years ago. Rick Lake

wrench87 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 06:35 AM

i wonder why comp cams did not reccomend that gear? i guess it is the same when you call for a cam and every one you talk to reccomends a different thing. i like the idear of the porimer gear because it wont damage the cam i will do some more research. thanks for the info

Anthony · #7 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 07:06 AM

an old thread

Solid Roller vs. Hyd. Roller - Pros/Cons?

RICK LAKE · #8 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 07:29 AM

wrench87 First the gear is double the cost of a steel, or iron gear and about 1/3 more than a bronze gear. These carbon gears are very strong and brittle. They are right on the edge. I got to track down a guy who makes them and got a deal on 2 gears. He was not to sell them to private people. I think over time the gear make break or schatter. It's too early to tell. To date there is no wear marks on my gear. Only have about 10 hours on the motor total. You are right about asking guys what gear to run and getting 3 different answers for this. I wanted to try this gear and was told it couldn't do any damage to the motor if the gear wears out. No metal shavings, this couldn't be said for the steel, bronze or iron gear. The other thing is that I am going with a drysump on the next motor, so there will be no strain on either gear in this motor. No oil pump to drive. When in doubt go with the manufacturers answer for there cam. If you loose a camshaft of lifters, you don't want them to have any excuse to blame the failure on you. I have seen this happen. Rick L.

wrench87 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 06:12 AM

ok so i pulled the distributor gear off yesterday, the shaft size is .467. that means the ford motorsport gear #m-12390-j will not work because it fits the .531 shaft. i went on mallorys site they list a replacement gear for the one i have it states it is for proferal billet or austempered ductile iron?, all i know is my cam is made from 8620 steel is this the same ?. i sent a e mail to mallory tech. i also found that crane makes a new gear that is good for both styles
part number 34970-1. nothing is ever easy

blykins · #10 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 06:34 AM

Nevermind.....I didn't read your first post well enough.

wrench87 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 11:28 AM

ok i have 3 options i have to look into for the distributor gear.
mallory29419
crane 34970-1
comp cams carbon ultra poly composite 249-35200.
the only thing no one lists the over all size of the gear wich needs to be 1.421



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