Timing marks; look good BUT.......opinions

**Raising Hand***

Why would you want this to not be precisely right? Isn't the engine the heart and soul of your Ferrari?

 

both hands raised. noticeable difference in timing marks were there. But, it is your car, you do with it what you like.

 

I have my left hand up...right's in a sling.

This is one of the statements made by Dave Helms that convinced me it needs to be done:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135628196&postcount=86

One key element to keep in mind is that once each cam is set to the proper phase, it is possible its assembly mark will NOT line up. Be prepared to live with that and trust your tools and mechanical skills.

Since there are four cams to deal with, the timing can be off on any one of them.

With a four cam engine, ALL of the valve interplay is up in the air. Valve to piston timing, intake to exhaust timing and left to right bank timing relationships. If the cams aren't all phased phased properly, especially left to right bank, half of the engine will behave slightly different than the other. Just going along for the ride...

As Dave also points out, these cars are supposed to be a passion. Going the extra mile (feet or inches in this case) in tuning the engine pays off in performance and self confidence in a job well done.

Jon asked for opinions about his cam timing and has received many. It's up to him to read through the info here and in other threads then determine if the potential benefit is worth the effort. Most importantly, if the process is one he feels confident learning and performing.

 

As soon as warm weather arrives, my hand will shoot up.

This just ain't rocket science as long as you:

a) RTFM- READ The Freaking Manal.

b) Ask questions here.

c) Go slow and methodical.


I need reommendations on a dial indicator gauge and stand that will not break the bank. Anyone?

 

If I read your question correctly, yes, it's possible for the other pistons on the same bank to be off. There will always be some deviation just from the manufacturing tolerances. However, it's also possible for there to be excessive slop which arises from mechanical issues that should be addressed before thinking about dialing in the cams.

Worn or damaged parts anywhere along the timing system can cause trouble.

The bottom line is that the cam phasing process assumes the other components of your engine are in good condition and within tolerance. If that is the case, setting cam phase on the #1 and #5 pistons is all that needs to be done. The other pistons will be "correct by design" since the allowable differences in the manufacturing tolerances will result in timing variability less than the adjustment resolution of the cam pulley.

To go to the Nth degree, one could map out the phase relationship for each cam lobe, then set that cam to minimize the total departure from spec.

Trying to dial it in better than that starts a journey down the mythical road of "engine blueprinting" that sees fabulous expenditures of time and money for ever decreasing performance benefits.

 

Here is my set-up. Lots of these sets available used on ebay.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=139300788&postcount=17

 

That is cute. I love to get one. As far as these indicators are concerned, you should get something decent quality. Don't spend less than $100 on one. You can spend way more for sure.

 

The Pooh-Bear mirror is a nice touch. It beats the Hello Kitty mirror I once borrowed

I had a slightly different attack on mounting the dial indicator. I used a spare bolt and one of the holes in the head casting. (Seen on the left side of the first image) Make certain your indicator's support is stiff enough for such a long reach.

Also keep in mind that you will need an "L" or "J" shaped probe extension on the dial indicator to reach under the camshaft to the top of the tappet. Keep the measuring axis of the the dial indicator aligned with the direction the tappet moves in it's bore.

You can also use the dial indicator through the spark plug bore to set TDC on the degree wheel. You may need a probe extension to reach the piston depending on the type of dial indicator you get.
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Big M,

Maybe you can borrow one.

But, this MOOG needs an extension.

Edwardo
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I'm one of them. The marks are assembly marks, to get you close. When degreeing, many times I see 4,5,6 degrees difference from the correct value, sometimes more.
It has been said many times, but I'm going to say it again: degree your cams, it's the only correct way of doing it. And you will notice the difference.

It's a performance engine, treat it as such!

 

And, you need......

Isky Cam Timing Kit, Aluminum Block Fixture, 2 Flat Tappets, 2 Checking Springs, 1 Degree Wheel, Instructions.
$ 72.00

Edwardo
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Get the largest degree wheel that will fit.

It's much easier to see 1 degree on an 18" diameter wheel than an 8" diameter wheel.

 

*Hand raised*
See my thread in the 550 section.

And for MWR, I recommend either the Mitutoyo or the Moog.