Following up on this post and reporting a successful conclusion.
The cam & crank timing gear set was replaced with new gears on my 55 3100 First Series pickup.
History from three months ago: The fiber cam gear shredded while at driving 55 mph on the highway, which caused the engine to stop immediately. (125 mile tow!).
Radiator was pulled to access front of the engine. Crankshaft damper, timing cover and oil pan were removed. With camshaft remaining in the engine, the broken fiber cam gear was carefully chiseled apart and the steel center collar was split apart for removal. The old crank gear was removed with pullers.
A new steel crank gear and a new aluminum cam gear were installed, with timing marks lined up after cam gear was heated up for shrink fitting.
After reassembly, the engine started right up, although timing was very retarded with the new gears installed. The ignition timing was reset, and the engine runs great. Completed a 100 mile trip this past weekend.
Can say that a stock Chevy 6 cylinder 235 engine (no high-lift cam, no milled head, no modified valves/valve train) is not an interference engine. The engine runs the same as before. No knocks, rattles, pinging or signs of power loss.
Looking forward to more miles of smooth Stovebolt driving!
Thanks for the posted comments and advice.
