Adjustable Cam Gears

[RB2600]

I've got a set of Racepace adjustable cam gears from an old motor, that I would like to install into my new engine and they've been dialed in for the previous setup.

My question is whether or not it will be fine to install as per normal? I.E. take stock gears off, bolt adjustable gears on, line up dots on cam gears to timing cover back plate, line up timing pulley to oil pump mark

and install timing belt and idler and tensioner as per usual. Or will installing this way cause me to be a tooth (or more) out / screw up the timing?

Pics to show where the cam gears are currently adjusted to

I also have the head currently off and taking the stock cam gears off caused a slight ANTI-CLOCKWISE movement. I've been told to check the alignment ONLY from CLOCKWISE rotation.

Would it matter if I just aligned the cam gear timing marks regardless of rotation direction, considering the head is off at the moment?

Finally, I will be heading to the tuner ASAP after I have the car up and running, it will only be light driving to get it rwc'ed, registered and next destination would be the tuner's workshop.

Thanks in advance

[SargeRX8]

Everything is keyed to fit in only one way. If all the marks are lined up on the cams and your crank is lined up then everything will be lined up. If the head is already off just line it up before you slap it back on. I cant really understand what you are trying to say in regard to the clockwise anti clockwise but if you took the belt off and fudged a cam by turning it, you can't turn that cam all the way around to line it up. I'd say it should be fine just to dial it back a couple mm which ever way you need to go. Dont hold me to this but I think its right.

[RB2600]

Cheers man, anything related to timing always gives me nightmares =/

[RB2600]

Also, excuse my ignorance, but what is the associated problem with turning the camshaft (with gear) all the way around - say clockwise, if I nudged it out a little bit when the head was already off?

[stÖrmy]

do you have to move everything to TDC and stuff before removing old gears or can you just remove them and line up dots?

[GTSBoy]

Head off = no problems with anything. There are no pistons to hit with valves.

[SargeRX8]

do you have to move everything to TDC and stuff before removing old gears or can you just remove them and line up dots?

You can just remove and replace but if you are at tdc you will know exactly where you are and if something moved you will know exactly where you should be. I really wouldn't do it if you arent at tdc. Think about it if you turn your cam gear even 1 degree how are you going to know?

Head off you can turn the cam freely. Head on just turn it back or forward to the dot not all the way around.

[KiwiRS4T]

Personally I would set both cam gears to zero and let the tuner take it from there.

[RB2600]

Thanks for the advice guys. I just might set them back to zero. I also feel safer that way.

[David_AA]

If I was at your place, then I would like to start from zero, as this is required by the engine also. If you don't do this, there cause a problem. Which can be increase with the passage of time. Which can cause cease the engine. Also, when you finished your change then don't forget to fill the new and quality one oil which keeps protection.

[brad 110]

Head on or off rotating camshafts individually out of rotational sequence will and can cause inlet valves to touch exhaust valves as they are never open anymore than .100" at the same time in operation. The valve angle allows the valves to clip one another causing the ground seating face of the valve to be damaged

[GTSBoy]

Yuh, but head off you can watch it happen.