Here is stock number 666 of the Perfection Gear Co. – Chicago:
It looks vaguely familiar, right? However, there is something that has you scratching your head. It has 30 teeth and looks like something you’ve definitely seen before, the cam gear of an American Austin engine.
It does look quite familiar, however, it isn’t a cast iron piece, but is actually a fiber gear. Something which, to my knowledge, did not come on an Austin from the factory. Fiber gears were known for their silent running characteristics. When when properly made (and stored) they can supposedly live a long and healthy life in an engine. However, they do have a reputation for silently stripping and eventually letting go.
Personally, I don’t think I would run a fiber gear in my Austin and risk plugging up the small oil passages with fiber gunk. However, the box is cool and the part is probably something you wont find again.
If you are considering buying this for your car, please note that Austins and Bantams used a variety of different timing gears. You should check your application before taking the plunge.
Click here to see the Austin Fiber Timing Gear
For more reading on fiber gears check these links out:
Ford Garage (Check out that Bill Stipe gear.)
Everything Bantam 