Bronze Gears One of the first requirements when installing a steel roller cam is the addition of a bronze distributor gear. A stock cast iron gear is not compatible with a steel camshaft. COMP Cams® gears are machined from AMPCO-45 extruded aluminium bronze with 5%Nickel added. These gears feature a high-strength tooth design that resists wear even when used with high pressure oil pumps. These extra tough gears are the answer when higher mechanical properties are demanded.