Which distributor gear should I buy?

Getting the right material is the most important part of choosing a distributor gear. The gear should be slightly softer than the camshaft. This will ensure accurate ignition timing and a long engine life.

If the gear is too soft, it will quickly wear out. If the gear is too hard, it will wear the camshaft. Excessive wear will affect the ignition timing. Eventually, it can also cause engine failure.

4 Types of Distributor Gears

There are 4 basic types of distributor gears. They are listed in order from softest to hardest.

• Composite
• • Made from a super strong polymer.
  • Durable and lightweight.
  • Compatible with all camshafts.
  • More expensive than other types of distributor gears.
• Bronze
• • Made of a bronze/aluminum/nickel alloy.
  • Soft material will not damage the camshaft.
  • Used with billet steel cams.
  • Sacrificial gear for racing applications.
  • Should be changed more frequently than other gears.
• Cast Iron
• • Harder than composite or bronze gears.
  • Used with cast iron, flat tappet cams.
  • Less expensive than other types of gears.
• Melonized or Hardened Steel
• • Heat treated for durability.
  • Slick surface is compatible with any type of cam.
  • Often used by the OEM for long life.
  • Generally used as the default gear on replacement distributors.

Procedure

1. Follow this link to see all our Distributor Gears.

   **Then, using the options on the left side of the screen,**

2. Select your engine from the "Make/Engine" filter.
3. Select the correct "Distributor Shaft Diameter".
4. Select the correct "Distributor Gear Material".

**The right material depends on the type of camshaft you have.**

Notes

• You should replace your distributor gear whenever you change your camshaft.
• • The gear mates with the camshaft during engine break-in.