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This particular customer came in for valve springs and cam installation and along the way we found
a big surprise.
This scheduled performance upgrades and tuning basically saved this customer from having huge a
catastrophic failure. Prior to getting the engine ready to do the valve springs and cams install, we set the engine
to TDC. While at TDC, we noticed odd wear markings on the timing belt. Further inspecting the timing belt
by rotating the engine, we found a track of damage which led up to a slice through the timing belt.
After further investigation, we noticed a decent size hole in the lower timing belt cover. Upon removing the
cover, out came a large metal shroud which most certainly was part of the reason the timing belt was all
sliced up and ready to break.
Of course the labor had to change at this point. After fully inspecting the belt we both agreed it is not
safe at all to even attempt to fire the vehicle up again with this belt. I had Evo IX Kevlar belts in stock at
the shop, so we installed that. The old timing job had improper tension as well, so we reset the tension
back in spec.
Lamar did not have all the funds to pay for the tuning, cam install and springs with him, so I did what I
thought was the right thing. I assisted in allowing Lamar to borrow the money from me to get his belt swapped
and perform the rest of the labor as well, since I wanted to have him leave with a perfectly healthy car.
Lamar wanted to learn so I had him watch me and even assist me a little bit on some things. He was a very
nice worker, and I also took him out to get some food afterwords to thank him for the extra hand he gave.
The mods on Lamars car are quite basic, but he will be adding more in the near future with us.
For now heres what a good tune can do in 80F with stock injectors and upgraded fuel pump on stock turbo
on 93 octane fuel.
Prior tuner had knock sensor disabled and the vehicle was running excessive amounts of timing and still knocking.
I cant stress enough how important it is to stick to a specialized Evo tuner only for your Evo's. These cars take a significantly
different tuning strategy vs most all other platforms!
Thanks guys. Appreciate the kind words. I'm in the process of moving into a large facility soon and will finally have a dyno for those in the area.
Congrats Tom! Looks like your operation is progressing nicely. All from the results of hard work and an excellent product. What kind of dyno are you looking into a MD500?
Keep us posted.
Probably a lazy wastegate preload from what I see when overlaying it with other stock turbo cars I did.
We did a visual inspection on this car only. Found EGR line off, no zip ties on any FPR lines, etc. Me and Lamar decided against the boost leak test since we were running out of time.
Lamar did not have all the funds to pay for the tuning, cam install and springs with him, so I did what I
thought was the right thing. I assisted in allowing Lamar to borrow the money from me to get his belt swapped
and perform the rest of the labor as well, since I wanted to have him leave with a perfectly healthy car.
Lamar wanted to learn so I had him watch me and even assist me a little bit on some things. He was a very
nice worker, and I also took him out to get some food afterwords to thank him for the extra hand he gave.
Larmar is one very lucky guy having you find the damaged belt prior to tuning & for your generous financial gesture. That's incredible customer service Tom & I have to say I'm very impressed mate, well done.
Jul 12, 2017, 11:54 AM
You the man Tom, great chatting with you last night, cust should really enjoy his car now
