Distributer

[myfirstii]

im almost done with my engine swap. Im installing a 90's roller motor into my 78. I have everything installed and hooked up (finally). All i have left to do is install my distributer,radiator,alternator and my fan. I know that i need a new distributer gear because the old one is made out of steel and it needs to be cast. So i went out and got a new one. But the only thing is the new one doesnt fit snuggly against the distributer shaft. It has a lot of room to move. Do i have to get a 90's shaft or do i have a wrong gear???
Thanks
pat

 

[Power Surge]

Well, first of all, you have the gear metal backwards. Stock is cast and with the roller cam you need either a steel or bronze gear. As for it not fitting, it sounds like they gave you a 351 style gear. There are two dist shaft thicknesses, and most 302s use the small one. You need to get the small shaft, steel gear for use with you roller cam. You will also need to drill the hole in the gear for the roll pin, and this is very critical where it goes, so measure well.

 

[myfirstii]

Well it looks like Im not going to be able To get my car running until Labor day. Im leaving tonight for college. And every place that i call has to order it. Thanks For the help.
Pat

 

[a351Must2]

It's the same hell I went through... I tried three parts store gears and even a complete distributor for an '85 carbed roller motor and got a cast gear every time.

The only steel gears they could get were for the large diameter shaft that '86 and newer used.

I finally broke down and spent the money on a bronze gear...~20K miles later it had tin foil thick teeth and finally broke.

It's worth it from the start to just order the small shaft steel gear from summit...I believe it's a .467" diameter.