360 distributor/oil pump gears

[imported_Jeff]

Background: Had a terrible backfire-out-the-carb problem, and a VERY ticky lifter.

So here I am dropping in a performer cam, lifters,springs, timing chain, and new aluminum intake, and I find that he timing set is REALLY slack, and that the gear on the cam that runs the distributor and oil pump is missing a tooth or two. The distributor gear also shows some wear. I plan on replacing the points distributor with an electronic one from a '77 wag. Everything looks the same, but my concern is the gears. Are the shaft gears the same between the points type and electronic type distributor? If not, cant I just put the correct gear on the shaft of my electronic distributor? Also, anyone know of better than stock quality gears to perform this project, or am I stuck with stock quality? One more thing, while I am in that far, what are everyones thoughts on the timing chain oiler mod avail from American Performance Products?
Thanks for the help!

[porchpiggy]

I know that my brother put a later electronic dist in his 72 wag, and I don't think he had any problems, or any gear change. I know thisis not the best answer, but I thought I would offer since you did not get any answer yet.

[imported_Jeff]

Thanks. I did find tech notes written somewhere that explictly said to swap both gears when making a change to one or another. I'm suprised that others would not be interested in this. It seems pretty easy, and MUCH cheaper than a MSD unit or something comparable.

[Marvin Gates]

You might want to go to the later dist. in the 78 they changed to a different style, then you can do the TFI upgrade. 75 to 77 used the Prestolite BID electronic system which is pretty much junk. I know, thats what I have, with the later dist. you can use the hot ford coil and bigger cap and larger plug wires with less resistance. Good Luck. :D :D MG

[ April 06, 2002: Message edited by: Marvin Gates ]</p>

[Jeep Jeep]

Yes the distributor gears are the same. I know Four Wheel Drive Hardware sells a better gear for the distributor but I have not seen one for the cam. As far as converting to a 77 style electronic ignition I would agree with Marvin that they are junk. I had them both in my CJ-7 and J-20. The electronic box would go out and you were done until replacement. Before I knew about the TFI upgrade I went with the point stye distributor and installed the Pertronix Ignitor. They run around 60 to 70$ depending on where you get it. All parts stores should have them or you can also get them at Summit Racing. I have had no problems with them. I carried a set of points in my CJ for the first couple of years just in case something happened but that was 8 years ago and nothing has. It is a vary simple install with only two wires connecting to the coil.

[imported_Jeff]

Ok. Great Info. Can anyone point me towards info for the TFI upgrade?