i want to put an older hei style distributor on my lt1 i already did all the research on modifying the intake but i havent been able to find out if the cam has a drive gear on it any input will be appreciated.

Yes, the cam has a drive gear cut into the rear. That gear has to drive the oil pump stub shaft on the LT1/L99 engines, or the distributor in your engine.

thanks i should have known that i guess it just went over my head.