so i bought a new distributor but i got to thinking if i should replace the stock gear at the bottom. because if im correct, the stock gear is made for hydraulic cam, so does that mean a roller cam will eat it up? i was looking at the msd replacement gears and they are 70$+. thats not too much but im not gona buy it if i dont need it.

 

You're correct...mostly. The stock gear is castiron, the same material a flat tappet came is made of. A roller cam, whether or not it uses solid or hydraulic lifters, is made out of forged steel and will chew that iron gear up in short order. So yes, you do need a new gear

 

If you Do not change it you will be regretting it in a few hundred miles!! The hardened Forged Steel will destroy the old one in short order.I would definitely replace it!TRUST ME!! I MADE THAT MISTAKE LAST YEAR!![8D]

 

ok will do. it looks like the stock gear just has that little push pin holding it in. im assuming i need a punch to take it out. i dont have to worry about the new one coming loose do i? should i take it somewhere and have a bigger hole tapped?

 

Take it somewhere and have it done. The gear needs to be positioned properly so you have the correct thrust setting. Steel gear with steel cams(roller) and iron gear with iron cams(flat tappet).