Distributor gear change .

[bn69stang]

 I am currently starting my 434 inch c j  make over and was looking for input about the distributor gear change  , I have an  M S D  distr and changing to a hydraulic roller , so either the brass gear or the steel gear and was wondering what is used the most , or preferred by most  ?  ..  Bud

[Faron]

unless its a Race Only deal use the Steel Gear , Bronze is self sacrificing and will wear out if used for Many street miles 

[jayb]

+1 on what Faron the distributor expert said.  Steel gears are best for the street...

[fe66comet]

Never ran into a need to have a bronze gear, I suppose there is a valid use for bronze but never had to use one. I have always used a good billet steel gear and never had an issue braking one even with running 8000 rpm in a small block. I have seen them used a lot in alcohol cars and boats. My theory on bronze would be if the engine were to buck it could absorb some impact, but I have also seen camshafts snap in half so a bronze gear would not save you anyhow.

[blykins]

I'm a steel gear guy.  I buy the Mallory gears for about $35.  They use the bigger (3/16") roll pin as well. 

[Ford428CJ]

I have used Bronze gears for an everyday driver with great success. BUT Steel gear would be the way to go for a lot of people! 

[machoneman]

Faron as always is right: steel on a steel camshaft 

[turbohunter]

When I put my 441 together I put in a bronze gear because all Comp said was bronze or steel and I had a bronze available.
I had never used one before so I put it on.
Was curious about it's longevity being a softer metal. And I didn't have a Faron in my pocket.
When I took my engine apart for the head gasket oil leak the oil in the pan had a beautiful metallic look. The remnants of the gear seating.
Upon pulling the dizzy you can see very clearly where the bronze has worn away in the seating process.
I'll keep an eye on it but so far so good after 5K.

[fe66comet]

That was a concern for me to have metal floating around in the engine. For me the softer gear seemed more for an engine that get's frequent tear downs like a drag race engine.

[My427stang]

By FAR the steel gear

I have seen too many bronze gears wear themselves sharp and then fail. 

[bn69stang]

Thanks for all the feed back , I appreciate it guy s .. Bud