quote:Originally posted by Cyboman: This system (with crank trigger) would eliminate the roll pin issue that our Clevelands can suffer and leave us stranded (which happened to me with my '74). Do I run a bronze or steel gear with my cam, and how long will it last? Points or electonic internals? MSD, Mallory, or Ford distributor? Pertronix Ignitor? <-- No longer issues!
Michael, sounds like it may be a good option for you for all the reasons you mentioned as being desirable to you but I dont think going crank trigger will eliminate the potential for roll pin shear. Shimming the oil pump to higher relief pressure, using a high volume pump where not necessary, poor quality roll pins, and potentially some feedback from heavy valve train in the C are chief culprits.
It can happen in any engine though they are somewhat less suspectable. A good quality roll pin with another 50 cent pin stuffed inside of the first roll pin will eliminate the issue altogether. The additional mass of the ignition components is a neglible factor in shear.
You still need a plug with gear (with roll pin) and shaft to drive the oil pump. If you have a roll pin failure with crank trigger you may indeed be able to get home if it shears and simply slips a little, as long as it can still drive the oil pump, which is not a given. If it can't, you'll still be stranded when it shears unless you want to drive home on zero oil pressure. At least roll pin shear shuts down you igniition for you when you loose your oil pump!
Choosing crank trigger also is not related to required cam gear material. This is purely a matter of choice of type of cam and core material. Perhaps you are referring to production hydro-roller lifter 5.0 engines that were early examples of the use long wearing steel cam gears on steel roller cams?
Either way, I hope the project meets all your goals. Your Targa 5S is one of my favorites on here on the PIBB.
Take care,
Kelly