Are MSD distributor gears Melonized?

Are MSD distributor gears Melonized?

Fortunately MSD now sells a melonized gear for 0.500-inch shaft Chevy distributors (MSD PN 8531).

What does the distributor gear do?

The ratio of the distributor gear is such that it turns the distributor one full turn for every full turn of the crank shaft, and every two full turns of the cam shaft. This ensures that the spark plugs will fire at the correct position of the piston. The gear is attached to the distributor shaft with a steel roll pin.

How do I choose a distributor gear?

Getting the right material is the most important part of choosing a distributor gear. The gear should be slightly softer than the camshaft. This will ensure accurate ignition timing and a long engine life. If the gear is too soft, it will quickly wear out.

How do I know if my distributor gear is bad?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Distributor Rotor and Cap

1. Engine misfires. Engine misfires can occur for a number of reasons.
2. Car doesn’t start.
3. Check Engine Light comes on.
4. Excessive or unusual engine noises.

Can a worn distributor gear symptoms?

Distributor gear wear can cause a variety of headaches for car owners. Eventually running problems develop, timing issues, idle issues, backfiring, or even an engine that won’t run at all aren’t uncommon when a distributor gear is damaged. Troubleshooting these issues can be somewhat of a headache as well.

Why do you need a bronze distributor gear?

Distributor gears are designed to be sacrificial. Theyre easier to replace than cam gears, so theyre engineered to go first in the event of failure. Softer bronze gears are typically used when running a billet steel roller cam, because the roller cam cores arent as hard as those on flat tappet cams.

Can I use a bronze gear on a flat tappet cam?

A standard iron gear usually works well with a flat-tappet cam grind, but remember that stock gears were designed around a stock cam. Softer bronze gears are typically used when running a billet steel roller cam, because the roller cam cores arent as hard as those on flat tappet cams.

Starting in 1980, full-computer HEI big-cap distributors were phased in. Fortunately MSD now sells a melonized gear for 0.500-inch shaft Chevy distributors (MSD PN 8531).

Do distributors have gears?

According to Hodgdon, “The four most common types of distributor gears are composite, bronze, cast-iron, and hardened steel. You must consider both camshaft type and material, because they affect the type of distributor gear you need. Selecting the improper gear can lead to premature camshaft wear.”

Is a HEI distributor better?

An HEI distributor is a great piece of equipment for an over-the-road car because it is completely self-contained. It requires minimal wiring and is easy to install. But without an external coil, a stock HEI cannot provide a strong spark at rpm levels commonly seen on the racetrack.

What does HEI stand for on a distributor?

High energy ignition
High energy ignition, also known as H.E.I., is an electronic ignition system designed by the Delco-Remy Division of General Motors. It was used on all GM vehicles, at least in the North American market, from 1975 through the mid-1980s.