Ok guys, how critical is it to replace the timing gear set in a 250? How bad do the teeth wear? My (ignorant) logic tells me that they can't wear anywhere close to how a chain stretches in a Timing Chain set-up, therefore I'm thinking that they aren't the most critical of parts to replace.
I'm planning some R&D Voodoo and wondering if I should start from scratch with new parts or if the old ones are still in good enough shape to give me good info. I like the flat face of the OEM cam gear as the 'spoke' look of all the aftermarket pieces I've seen don't lend themselves to my plan as easily.
I plan to 'graft' a cam gear onto the face of the 250 cam gear, or machine the profile I need into the face of the OEM part.
Any thoughts?

Watch the early ones are 14.5 degree pressure angle while the later ones are 20 degree. Don't mix and match.

"flat face" versus "spoke look" is probably 14.5 versus 20 degree PA.

The later ones are likely to be marginally stronger than the early ones. My opinion, either type is plenty adequate for the application and I would not worry much about it.

Best pic I have of mine installed:



Stock one:



Why I replaced the stock one:



The stock ones aren't metal.

I should have qualified that I think early or late ALUMINUM cam gears are strong enough...