I just picked up a COMP cams bronze distributor gear to use with my roller cam. Problem is, I can't figure out how to swap it for the iron gear. The retaining pin seems very stuck, and it looks like the gear itself may be an interference fit on the shaft. Do I need a press to get the pin out? Heat the shaft to remove the gear? Should I have ponied up for the MP gear that has the shaft with it?

ya, I did the same thing, and I ended up getting the complete unit.

I just went through this myself - the distributor gear is an interference fit and according to my machinist, it's a tight interference fit. When he pressed my bronze gear on, it was so tight he thought the shaft was going to bend. He also told me that the distributor gear shaft is stepped - so be aware of that when you buy your gear. Some of the gears out there don't have the stepped I.D. BTW - I'm talking about a 340 distributor gear.

I noticed the Mopar Performance gear says 'not for street use', but the COMP gear doesn't. Assuming they're made from the same bronze material, I doubt there's any difference in their lifespan?

i just took mine to a shop and they put it on for $20. but then I realized I didn't need it after all!

According to my machinist, the Comp dist. gear is the same bronze alloy (AMPCO 53?) as the MP gear. He also told me that regradless of the alloy, a bronze gear is going to wear more than a stock iron gear. He told me to check the gear occasionally and to replace it if the teeth get too thin.