those cams ...

[jowettw]

hi, this is a question for those of you guys who have installed the j-spec intake camshaft.

have you had problems with it during install or after they have been installed?

i keep getting conflicting info from different people: one person says you can do it yourself, while another says you should take it to a shop, while another says that a mechanic will need special tools, while some say you need to take off timing belt while others say you don't ... etc.

what's the deal? are cam installs all the same on most engines? i mean would a competent mechanic be able to figure out what to do, without breaking things inside? even if he's not familiar with a mazda engine? or did you run into problems?

thanks!

 

[jowettw]

oh, i drive a *regular* protege ... no flames please

 

[20ESGUY]

As far as the diy goes it depends on how mechanically inclined you are and if you've ever done a top end job on a mazda or similar import. Any mechanic that works on imports, or domestics for that matter, should be able to do it. You do have to remove the timing belt and t-belt tensior in order make sure it's properly timed. The t-belt removal procedure basicly means tear the front half of the engine off, ie.. belts, some hoses, and any pumps in the way.
There are a couple of things you will need though, one being a crankshaft-harmonic balancer pulley remover and possibly a new valve shim kit. For the shim kit I haven't talked to anyone that said they've used one...I'm assuming its necassary since the profile of the cam lobes changes.

Good luck on changing them if you diy.

 

[NC_MP3]

I had mine installed and didn't need anything extra. The mechanic said they went in no problem.

 

[Melanism]

NC_MP3

I also own an MP3 and I was looking at your list of mods, and I definately plan on doing everything you have done also. Can you tell me what think would honestly be of worth to do if not all? What complications did you run into with any mods? Any you wouldnt recommened? How loud is your exhaust? Do you have any peformance stats? Where do you feel the most HP increase? Please excuse all of the questions, but I would like reliable info from someone who has actually done it and not someone who thinks what it might....

Thanks,
Ray

 

[APEXistud]

NC did you dyno your car yet? Curious to see what you're running.

 

[jmauld]

Don't overcomplicate the procedure.

I've changed cams on DOHC import engines and it's really simple. The important thing is to change one cam, then change the other cam. This lets you leave the timing "clamped" to the other cam so that it doesn't lose it's position. Now if the timing belt slips, all bets are all, you have to do the entire job then.

With the timing belt clamped to one cam, you can remove the other cam & install the new one without ever touching the rest of the timing belt system.

 

[20ESGUY]

I have a question for JMAULD, if you do it that way are you leaving the tensioner in place and locked? That just doesnt sound like it would work if you were.

 

[NC_MP3]

Ray,

All the mods went in with no problem. The only complications were the header (EGR has to be modified cause it is a header for MX6) and Tripoint sent me the wrong pressure plate. To be honest I don't think all the mods are worth it. Cams have been dyno'd at a 6 HP gain, I would wait to see if anyone else makes any with more of a gain. I would get a header, but get one thats made for the MP3, I think there is one out now. Look through the performace section for it, AWR? Think that was it. The flywheel and clutch are definates, they were the best bang for buck. The intake is good. My car is too loud, don't get a Tenzo R muffler ever hehe. I would get the exhaust done with a high flow cat, but get a muffler that you have heard before. Go to some shops and listen to some different ones to find out what you like. The Bosal sounds good. My car is alot faster than stock. I haven't ran it or dyno'd it yet, but I would guess I will run high 9's in the 1/8. Alot of the power comes from the low end now, but since the clutch install the high end isn't so bad. Guess the clutch was slipping alot. Also the short shifter is a good mod. Find my post titled "~180 HP in 2 Weeks" and "What Mods Work", they explain all.