Going to install my HKS cams this weekend and just looking for any pointers that migh help or speed it up. I order the timing tensioner tool from SPX OTC. BTW If anyone needs one I can give you the info. Anyway, any pointers would be great.
Thanks.

 

How long of an install is this typically???

 

Are you also installing cam gears? If so, be sure the reference tooth is correct. DSM cam gears are 1 tooth off from Evo gears. I learned that from my Vishnu set. Use zipties to keep the timing belt attached to the cam gears. Evomoto has a nice installation writeup.

http://www.evomoto.com/tech_info.php?techID=18

Turbotrix only took a couple hours to install my cams. I've heard of some do it yourself jobs taking an entire day.

 

If you have done this type of work before and have access to a lift,then count on about 3 hours.

 

A lift for a cam swap?

 

Yes,I am getting old and dont like kneeling down when playing with the timing belt.It makes life a whole lot easier when you have access to a lift.That is why I posted that it would only take about 3 hours if you have done this type of work before.I know that anyone can do a timing belt without a lift,but I can bet that I can do it in 1/2 the time with a lift as you can without one.

 

Lesson I learned the hard way: only screw in the tensioner tool until you get about an 1/4 inch of slack in the belt (between the gears).
I tightened mine too far, it bent inside. When I tried to remove it, it broke off inside. I had to tear the whole front down to remove it, (then I installed the front counter balancer 360deg out and had to do it again!).

Also, turn the tensioner tool slowly.
If I hadn't broke the tool off, I would have finished the job in 2 hrs.

 

yes,I never use the tensioner tool as I have tried to cheat it before by using other techniques and always ended up with something happening and always ended up pulling the front cover and setting all timing marks again,so now I just got into the habit of pulling it all apart from the start,as it seemed to be that I end up having to anyways.The biggest problem that you can have from what I have seen is having the balance shaft jump one tooth of timing and there is no way to tell untill you start the engine and it isn't smooth anymore and you just think its the cams causing the "shake" in your engine.You can always see the crank to cam timing marks,but without pulling the front cover you will never know on the balance shaft.

 

I have done this swap myself.
I followed the evomoto directions, with the following "changes" that worked for me:

Definitely take the spark plugs out; the engine turns easier.
Watch the cam gears to get the timing marks to the proper alignment.
I never bothered looking for the mark on the crank (I am old too).
You will only "need" to see this mark if the belt slips off the crank sprocket, or if you are
installing adjustable gears and are going to index the cam timing.
I turned the engine by using the exhaust cam gear bolt (senses many people cringing)...
Do it slowly to allow the tensioner to "catch up" and you will not have a problem.
Definitely break both cam gear bolts loose before continuing. They were a bear to break loose.
When using the tensioner tool (I used a threaded rod) put some lube on the threads.
I used some anit-sieze compound.
Thread it in until you feel it touch the tensioner arm, then only give it about 1/4 to 1/2 turn more,
until you see the belt just start to move.
That's all you need. Your goal is to keep the tensioner from pulling back on the belt.
After tie wrapping the belt to the cam gears, only remove the gear of the cam you are replacing.
I used a bungee cord to pull up on the removed gear to keep tension.
Do exhaust first, then put the gear back on.
Then remove the intake gear, do the cam, etc.
If you have a stubborn cam cap, do NOT use two bolts to rock it off like they say on evomoto.
These are very fragile and you can warp them easily. There are recent threads on here about this.
Check under some darkhorse threads.
Take your time with them.

Other than these things I did, follow the evomoto site directions. They were very good.

turboDan - I am confused about your comments about the balance shaft possibly moving
during this procedure, as it is driven by a separate belt that you aren't touching (I think).
Maybe I just got lucky.

Also props to you for the head stud install. I just did that last night. Great writeup.
Went just like you said.
Maybe Mike and I will see you Tuesday at Pruven...

Mike's dad

 

no,it is not driven by a seperate belt,and in fact does need to be in time,and can easily be off.
My bad,I checked and you are correct Mike's dad,balance shaft is driven by seperate belt,It is the oil pump that has to be in time,or at least there is a timing mark that needs to be lined up when you
change your t-belt.Thanks for making me research so that I could correct myself
BTW,yes,maybe I'll see you tuesday,but I'll be there at 9:00 am,SHARP,as Al put it.

 

We won't be there til 2:00pm.
Actually we will show up early seeing as Willie will be there before us and
I want to pay my money and join evo-ny.

Maybe you can hang out long enough to catch some of the others.

 

I guess it all depends on how long it takes to get this tuned,as it feels pretty weak right now,as compared to a pro stock that is.

 

"no,it is not driven by a seperate belt,and in fact does need to be in time,and can easily be off.
My bad,I checked and you are correct Mike's dad,balance shaft is driven by seperate belt,It is the oil pump that has to be in time,or at least there is a timing mark that needs to be lined up when you
change your t-belt.Thanks for making me research so that I could correct myself
BTW,yes,maybe I'll see you tuesday,but I'll be there at 9:00 am,SHARP,as Al put it." The front balance shaft IS driven by the main timing belt, which is also the oil pump. The rear balance shaft is on a different belt.

 

Hence the need to time it.

 

Thanks for the replys. I did it sat. and had no problems. Used a long bolt for a tensioner. I ordered the tool Thur. last week and got it today. I was a little anxious and had to get it done this weekend. I have head studs to put in but didn't do it because of how easy it is to get the valve cover of to do those. If you guys could link me to the post on the studs that would be cool.

BTW. I have a hoist and it does make it a little easier if your lazy. Also, Holy **** it pulls like a freight train up top now!!!!!!