IMS Retrofit Procedure "How To" Video

[Jake Raby]

Glad to see you tackle it yourself! Most shops aren't even willing to do this today.

My engine assembly manual will be finished by year's end, then comes the DVD. Working on both of them this weekend!

[Eric G]

Count me in for a purchase of both...seriously. I am a firm believer in "never stop learning" and this little car is full of opportunity to do just that.

[Jager]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

Glad to see you tackle it yourself! Most shops aren't even willing to do this today.

My engine assembly manual will be finished by year's end, then comes the DVD. Working on both of them this weekend!

Will the DVD and manual be one package or sold separately? Let us know when they are available.

[Jake Raby]

Separately.. Book first, DVD probably 6-8 months later

[peterbrown77]

Be patient with me on this one: I watched the video, and I can't for the life of me figure out why you have to put #1 cyl at TDC and knock out the camshaft plugs and lock the camshafts in place. Only a bearing is being changed, timing is not affected - why all the extra involvement?

[Jake Raby]

Originally Posted by peterbrown77

Be patient with me on this one: I watched the video, and I can't for the life of me figure out why you have to put #1 cyl at TDC and knock out the camshaft plugs and lock the camshafts in place. Only a bearing is being changed, timing is not affected - why all the extra involvement?

What you fail to realize is this bearing is also the support for one entire end of the IMS which drives the cams for the 1-3 bank of cylinders.

If the bearing flange is removed at ANY OTHER POSITION than TDC the cam lobes are loaded from open valves/ valve spring tension. As soon as the bearing flange is removed and the support is taken away, the load will jump off lobe and the end result will be an engine that has the valve timing compromised.

These engines are somewhat magical in their valve timing, because at TDC all the valves are either on the ramps of the cams or completely off lobe. This means at that one position the IMS bearing flange can be pulled with no ill effects.

People that have thoughts like yours get themselves into trouble and end up spending 350 bucks with me on the phone to tell them what they did wrong and how to overcome it. Its not simple to overcome as special tools are required and often times the removal of the cam covers is also a requirement.

Don't over think it, just follow the procedure, it is not overly involved and is simply required.

Pull the IMS bearing flange with the engine at any location other than TDC and you will wish that you had listened. Trust me.