If I find a maker willing to build us a gear drive timing setup, who would want one? Who would be best to contact? Has anyone else already tried? I love the whine of a noisy gear drive. Sounds as good as a blower.

I would depending on price of course. How many need to be made for a minium ? Multiple indexing available ?

I once bought an FE gear drive for an FE engine. It was distributed by MILODON.
Here are a few to look at.
http://www.summitracing.com/search/Bran ... toview=sku

Yes...but how applicable to a MEL would the FE be? I've been searching on other forms and have been told guys made their own up years ago by using a second crank gear. I really don't see that working with the timing sets available today.

An FE set won't fit. Just wanted to point to MILODON.
Maybe approaching them for a limited number production of MEL sets might be an option. Just as Moon did w. the MEL valve covers after at least 30 people had gathered together for an order.

along with that a cast front cover with a cam drive would open up everything for this engine.

I would be interested in the gear drive too. Let me know if you find a source!