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Why Do I Need a Melonized Steel Distributor Gear for My Engine?

Many BluePrint Engines are equipped with hydraulic roller or steel camshaft cores that require a melonized steel distributor gear for proper compatibility and long-term durability. BluePrint distributors are supplied with a melonized steel gear, and any distributor installed by BluePrint during engine assembly will also include a melonized gear.

What Is a Melonized Distributor Gear?

A melonized distributor gear is a steel gear that has undergone a specialized salt bath nitriding heat-treatment process. This process increases:

  • Wear resistance
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Scuff resistance
  • Fatigue strength

The result is a distributor gear that is significantly more durable than a standard iron gear when used with modern roller camshaft materials.

Why Is It Required?

Standard cast iron distributor gears are designed to work with traditional cast iron camshafts. When used with hardened steel or roller camshaft cores, excessive wear can occur, potentially contaminating the engine with metal debris and leading to ignition or engine damage.

Melonized gears are compatible with:

  • Billet steel camshafts
  • Hydraulic roller camshafts
  • Ductile iron camshafts
  • Conventional cast iron camshafts

Because of this broad compatibility, BluePrint Engines specifies melonized steel gears for applicable engine combinations.

Can I Use a Different Distributor Gear?

Using a distributor with the incorrect gear material can result in accelerated wear of the distributor gear and camshaft gear. For this reason, BluePrint Engines recommends using a distributor equipped with a melonized steel gear whenever specified for your engine combination.

BluePrint Engines Recommendation

If replacing or upgrading your distributor, verify that it is equipped with a melonized steel distributor gear that is compatible with your engine's camshaft material. BluePrint distributors are supplied with melonized gears to ensure proper compatibility and durability.