Re: 276 stroker from 35 years of parts
I like the earlier crank/timing gears that have the thrust towards the block - as long as the thrust clearance is correct. Depending on the cam, block, timing cover, and gasket (or no gasket) - the clearance can really vary. Don't make the mistake of using thick timing cover gaskets - the stock ones were only about .008 thick . . . but you still may need to "tune" the thrust clearance (sometimes without a gasket at all).
If you're using the later side-mount distributor and timing cover, the later gears are not a bad idea as they keep the cam nose thrusting against the timing cover - which helps to keep the timing from fluttering around. If your clearances are around .003 to .004, there is less potential timing fluctuations - which is a good thing.
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