Camking says I need a melonized steel distributor gear for the cam I ordered. Just looking on Summits website they list 13 steel distributor gears for a .530” shaft, but only 1 for a .530” shaft specified as melonized steel. Is there a difference? If so, what would you use a regular steel gear with? Iron gear for cast iron cams, melonized steel for billet steel cams? I’m confused
Most all aftermarket distributors with a steel gear also do not say they are melonized. Is it implied that any steel gear is melonized?
Distributor gear confusion
Moderator: Team
-
- HotPass
- Posts: 1862
- Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 2:42 am
- Location: The Seasonally Frozen Wastelands
Re: Distributor gear confusion
I wouldn't count on a "typical" mass-market gear having any sort of special metal treatment. Especially if it's a low-budget deal on the bottom of a Chinese distributor.
http://distributorgears.com/
^^^also Straub.
There's been a lot of talk about "detailing" cam and distributor gears with a hand file. Apparently, it makes a difference when all the sharp edges are broken.
http://distributorgears.com/
^^^also Straub.
There's been a lot of talk about "detailing" cam and distributor gears with a hand file. Apparently, it makes a difference when all the sharp edges are broken.
-
- Guru
- Posts: 6386
- Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2012 11:15 am
- Location: Roseville, Michigan (just north of Detroit)
- Contact:
Re: Distributor gear confusion
"Melonized" is a Nitrided Ductile Iron; it is not the same as steel or cast iron.travis wrote: ↑Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:50 pm Camking says I need a melonized steel distributor gear for the cam I ordered. Just looking on Summits website they list 13 steel distributor gears for a .530” shaft, but only 1 for a .530” shaft specified as melonized steel. Is there a difference? If so, what would you use a regular steel gear with? Iron gear for cast iron cams, melonized steel for billet steel cams? I’m confused
Most all aftermarket distributors with a steel gear also do not say they are melonized. Is it implied that any steel gear is melonized?
Whatever the core of the camshaft gear is made from is what will determine the correct distributor gear material.
A Comp Cams "Melonized" distributor gear for use with .531" I.D. 302/351W Ford having any SADI core camshaft is #435M
http://www.rmcompetition.com
Specialty engine building at its finest.
Specialty engine building at its finest.
Re: Distributor gear confusion
The comp 435M is what I ordered after he confirmed it was ok. I spent some time googling for info...and there is a LOT of bad info out there.
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!
-
- Guru
- Posts: 1541
- Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:35 pm
- Location:
Re: Distributor gear confusion
Some extra info on distributor/cam gears is here:
http://camshaftmachine.com/wp-content/u ... -01-30.pdf
http://camshaftmachine.com/wp-content/u ... -01-30.pdf
"Life is too short to not run a solid roller cam."
"Anything is possible, if you don't know what you're talking about."
I am NOT an Expert, and DEFINITELY NOT a GURU.
Kirkwoodken
"Anything is possible, if you don't know what you're talking about."
I am NOT an Expert, and DEFINITELY NOT a GURU.
Kirkwoodken
Re: Distributor gear confusion
I am running a Melonized/Nitrided steel gear that came on a Chinese dist. Many dists now come with steel gears that are compatible with billet steel roller cams. Crane has them for Fords & Chevs. Lunati sells the 'Everwear' melonized gear. Probably others too.
I have been monitoring my ign timing to see if it retards, indicating wear. No change at all in over 12 months, driven weekly.
I have been monitoring my ign timing to see if it retards, indicating wear. No change at all in over 12 months, driven weekly.