Cam Gear Adjustments
 

I've been having a few random issues with the car and I was just wondering, what are the cons of adjusting the cam gear between the three settings. Currently I have it set at position #3 per Bleach's advice but, if the chain really doesn't need to be set at this position what are the cons if any of having it set at this position? Would I need to adjust the ignition timing accordingly? Could this affect idle, fuel consumption, drivability, etc?

Moving the cam gear moves the powerband. There were (maybe still are) cam gears available from Nissan Motorsports that had 8 position to choose from instead of just the 3.

So there are no negative affects of the adjustment?

Not really. Of course if you like your powerband down low then moving the band up in the RPM range might seem like a negative and vice versa.

It does seem like I have trouble driving it around town without giving it extra throttle but, that could be one of my many other power robbers. Thing is, typically when I try to fix something that doesn't need to be fixed big things go wrong, and when Im risking my timing chain dropping, I think I'll leave it be. haha.

Hey J....
 

So, was going over some of the info on this thread. When i put my motor back together, it didnt run, it barked once, and then crapped out again. Got it pretty much nailed down to a timing issue. Do you think if i moved the cam gear, say from number 1, to number 2, that would affect it any?

thanx

bob

I think you do have an issue with the engine, but its hard to say what it is. did you get a compression test done yet?

#3 position is supposed to give you good torque. Honestly, it should have great throttle repsonse at lower speeds. You'll only suffer a small hp loss at high rpm or maybe your power will fall off at 4900 rpm instead of 5200 like stock.

i did do the compression test once everything was put back together. Thats how i discovered the number six exhaust valve was bent and not seating. Had compression of around 130 psi on the other five cylinders. Gonna try and put the head back on today, but just wanted some feedback on if changing the gear positions would help any. I'd like to get this thing back on the road again soon.

bob

cam gear position wont effect whether the car will run or not (considering you have it all lined up properly ;) ). That is IF you have a new timing chain. A severly stretched chain would need to be advanced to the #2 of #3 position just to take up the slack. But I've never heard of these things stretching due to their great design. They usually get changed for safety's sake long before they stretch enough to cause issues. Which is not to say they can't stretch though.

Do you have the distributor clocked correctly in relation to engine position?

Im sure you've already thought about it but, are you sure you put the timing chain on correctly? I made that mistake when first putting mine back together, I got the top lined up but, didn't know about the bottom. The car started for a few seconds once every 15 attempts or so, I took it all back apart and remounted the chain and made sure everything was lined up properly.

Of course you realize who I have to thank for all the correct information right? I can think of at least four members off the top of my head and one of them is legendary. . . .

boost leak maybe? :D

i have replaced a chain on one of these before, and i was positive i had everything lined up where it should be. But, since they head is back off, i get to make double sure now. So, i will have to let you guys know what happens as soon as it all goes back together. Thanx for the info.

bob