what dizzzy gear does my 85 have steel or cast iron?

[85/96gt]

i have decided just go go with the new dizzy since its only 44 bucks at autozone.. but i dont no if mine has a steel gear or cast iron how can i tell?? thanks alot..
p.s can i use either?

 

[PuterAmI]

Not enough info.

The 1985 5.0 HO carbed is the model that has the steel gear due to the change to the steel roller cam. The auto has a cast iron gear.

The cam is what determines the distributor gear's material. Ask the cam manufacturer what they recommend.

 

[SmockDoiley]

The auto has a cast gear? What, only 5-speeds had roller motors in 85? If its the original 85 engine and its carbureted, then it has a roller cam and needs the steel gear. Easy way to check, pull out your old dizzy and see if the material looks rough and cast or smooth and machined, smooth being steel. If your really not sure then run a bronze gear since it works with both, but most likely its a steel gear.

 

[PuterAmI]

The auto has a cast gear? What, only 5-speeds had roller motors in 85?

Yep.
The 85 auto with CFI had the 83/84 cam in it.

I wouldn't use bronze, either. It won't last.

File on the gear collar a little. If it is dark, it is cast. If it is a light grey, it is steel.