I have searched through the board and could not find a thread devoted to the subject of proper cam timing. I have read several posts regarding the importance of cam timing in acheiving optimal performance from our engines. If I understand correctly, cam timing makes a large difference in the effectiveness of ECU remaps such as the Evolve/Alpha-n. I have also read that cam timing is sometimes even off when the car leaves the factory. Is there a cheap/easy way to check if my timing is off? How many people have actually had theirs checked and adjusted? Is there a ballpark price for setting the timing at an independent? Can any old indy set proper cam timing or should it be done by a dealer or specialist? I worry that a mechanic could easily take my money and say they set the timing without actually doing it.
Proper Cam Timing
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PM VantaaM5 (hopefully he'll see this thread and chime in).
I have spoken with Vantaa briefly about cam timing, he estimated a 5 to 6 hour job from a reliable indy. I just thought it would be nice to have a thread dedicated to this where people can share their experiences, before and after feelings, etc. It would be great to hear from people who have had this done (especially someone from CA bay area).
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you have to remove the valve covers to check the cam timing. then iirc you get the engine at tdc, install lock pin in damper, rotate the cams and see if a notch lines up. not an easy 20min job.
you have to remove the valve covers to check the cam timing. then iirc you get the engine at tdc, install lock pin in damper, rotate the cams and see if a notch lines up. not an easy 20min job.
3-4 hours if you do it BMW's way, and know what you're doing.
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I found this using the search as I was having the same feeling, not enough info about it, but I suppose this answers the question well, enough, it takes a long time and quite a bit of knowledge.
I think of it this way, if you get Alpha N, and you have spent x amount of £/$ on that, and you see no result power wise. (obviously it may 'feel' faster because of the new map) You would then have to spend probably around the same amount just to get your cam timing done and get that extra power, which may only be 10-15bhp, is it really worth it? Is it likely to induce premature wear on the enging if it IS out slightly? That may outweigh the cost for some people, but not me if I'm being honest, am I wrong here?
I think of it this way, if you get Alpha N, and you have spent x amount of £/$ on that, and you see no result power wise. (obviously it may 'feel' faster because of the new map) You would then have to spend probably around the same amount just to get your cam timing done and get that extra power, which may only be 10-15bhp, is it really worth it? Is it likely to induce premature wear on the enging if it IS out slightly? That may outweigh the cost for some people, but not me if I'm being honest, am I wrong here?
The Alpha-N alone does NOT add power anyway,the power tune that comes free with it does deliver the gain.So the car does not "feel" faster,it IS faster.
The power gain with or without the cam timing done is the same,usually.Only if the cam timing is completely off it is very low gains.More important is,that the static cam timing has influence on how the power is delivered.
A correct cam timing shows usually better torque in the low rpm range compared to before.
Many cars feel sluggish and down on power stock even with all maintenance items changed.
Very often an incorrect timing is the reason.The timing is not 100% from the factory and on most of the cars I had in for service it is clearly visible that some Vanos/cam work was performed on them earlier.
I will most likely write tomorrow evening the DIY for the timing.
It takes me about 3-4 hours as it is a routine job for me and I do it once or twice a month....
Think 5-6 hours is how much it should take a good mechanic...
Base line is,a correct timing is as essential to the engine as any other maintenance item is.To have a good and correct running engine.
The power gain with or without the cam timing done is the same,usually.Only if the cam timing is completely off it is very low gains.More important is,that the static cam timing has influence on how the power is delivered.
A correct cam timing shows usually better torque in the low rpm range compared to before.
Many cars feel sluggish and down on power stock even with all maintenance items changed.
Very often an incorrect timing is the reason.The timing is not 100% from the factory and on most of the cars I had in for service it is clearly visible that some Vanos/cam work was performed on them earlier.
I will most likely write tomorrow evening the DIY for the timing.
It takes me about 3-4 hours as it is a routine job for me and I do it once or twice a month....
Think 5-6 hours is how much it should take a good mechanic...
Base line is,a correct timing is as essential to the engine as any other maintenance item is.To have a good and correct running engine.
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