OK to remove dist gear on crank if going XDi?
 

I plan to use the Electromotive XDi system when I put my engine back together. If I remove the distributor gear I could sell it with the distributor in case someone wants to use it on another engine. Any reason not to do this? Of course, I would have the crank balanced and polished after removal. Thanks.

what would secure the steel gear then?

Thanks, JW. This is the kind of sanity check I am looking for. I haven't split the case yet, it will be a first for me, and am unsure what other function the dist gear might serve.

So just to clarify, in the absence of the dist gear, something else would be required to prevent the steel gear from moving axially along the shaft?

In addition to having to find another way to retain the steel gear you are limiting your future options for the engine. You might decide later that you want to go back to a distributor or sell the engine to someone who wants to use a distributor.

-Andy

I don't think leaving the distributor gear out will offer any benefit and as others have said, it is needed to maintain axial spacing of the steel intermediate shaft gear.

I am going distributor-less on my 3.4, it will have a distributor gear on it just for the spacing...

Dennis