H2

I've been working here and there replacing everything under my S4 T-belt covers that might need replacing during the next 5 years or so and decided to replace one of the toothed cams that was showing some wear. I was a bit apprehensive as I did not want to pull the cam covers and use the PITA cam timing gauge setup. I've never pulled a cam gear before and was worried about the horror stories I'd heard.

Sooooooo...I marked everything that might move w/paint, I borrowed and used a PorKen's 32V'r tool to take a pre-setting and a post setting. Pulled the belt and the gear (engine was locked in place)....put the new gear on the recommended etched marks I'd made previously...then used the new PorKen 32V'r tool to "fine tune" and set things back to where they were before...only more like the factory cam settings.

I cranked the engine last night briefly, held it to 4,000 rpm very briefly, then shut it off. Runs smooth as can be. This is a brand new belt job so I'm saving the 6000 rmp road test for after the rest of the car is back together as I'm updating a lot more than just the Tbelt area.

I bought one of ProKen's orginal Cam Tool sets (about $100??) but I have my order in for one of his sold out latest versions (about $100 too) He only makes these 10 at a time and I'm about 4th on the list for the next batch. If you do any cam work...and want to fine tune your 928 from time to time, I believe that with this tool, used carefully, there's probably no need to pull the cam covers for the complicated gauge setting unless the timing is really messed up. Perhaps PorKen or Louie or someone who's actually used the latest 32V'r can chime in and clarify if I'm wrong on this.

At any rate, PorKen only needs a small number of orders to be placed before he gets this latest batch out to the fabricator. Better get one before he gets hit by a cement truck or something. Help fill out his list so I can get my tool sooner. You can look it over at liftbars.com Directions are included there but the various applications are not discussed in detail (like adjusting for different kinds of gas, specialized driving conditions, etc....hopefully that'll be coming some day). I'm not associated with the vendor other than I'd like my order to be delivered sooner than later.

I will tell you the quality is absolutely first class ...and literally "pinpoint" accuracy. I'm fascinated that he came up with this ingenious tool...simple but capable of maintaining and making complex adjustments.

The Kempf tool is a must-have for most 928 owners, I feel. The PorKen 32V'r tool is a must have for us DIY-selfer wrenches that occasionally delve into some critical systems...such as cam timing...but don't want to spend a $1000 at the dealer for this. There are various applications and advantages to being able to fine tune your cam timing.

BTW, I have my orginal PorKen tool set for sale for $35 plus $5 shipping. It's not been used. It works well for many things still but the latest version is more precise and will work at several Tbelt locking locations. He may have the directions for this one on his web site, I don't remember.

Ken has other tools that look cool but I'm still beaming from successfully using the 32V'r to help me change out a cam gear and stay on spec.

I don't know where this guy comes up with this stuff. It's guys like PorKen and other innovators out there who are working on aftermarket items for our cars that will help keep them on the road for many years....and keep the excitment going.

Harvey

the flyin' scotsman

I just picked up one of Ken's 1st version cam timing tools; haven't used it yet but soon. Looks to be an excellent piece and I want to play before the new tensioner tool arrives and I install a new belt.

Harvey, where did you set your cams and why? I understand most folks are advancing the c.timing

H2

I set my cams at the recommended setting of 0 degrees driver's side and 1 degree retard at passenger's side (I'm going from memory). It's the "middle" setting that most closely approximates factory. However, for specialized use, such as optimizing for different kinds of gas, track use, etc. I don't know the recommended settings. Perhaps that could surface in a search or can be figured out by smarter people than me. at any rate, with the 32V'r it now should be easy to make these adjustments w/o removing the cam covers. I think it is important that you start with a good cam setting to begin with though. Ken can give you the details. It's much easier to do than I'd envisioned. BTW, you do want to use a good Tork Wrench when tensioning the cam bolt. The cam is pretty hard (i.e., brittle).

Harvey

PorKen

Great pics Harvey! I'm glad you figured it out.

What did the passenger side show when you first put the tool on there? (Note, you should check/adjust with a used belt. Hopefully, you'll have the tool to check again at retension time, if not.)

Yikes! Hard sell!

(BTW, the V1 was $74, back in the day. )