WTB rent or borrow P253 tool
 

I checked the camshaft deviation and got
bank #1 - 8.17
bank#2 -3.45.
It's a 2001 base with 45,000 miles, well cared for, no leaks, runs great. I plan on pulling the sump this year and change the ramps later. Planning on diy in the car.

I don't know if this is a worthwhile alternative, but I found it while researching the same subject.
Tools | 9products
Maybe someone on here can provide feedback on this tool.

Not the tool I need. It must hold both cams while removing the covers. It also maintains correct timing.
I'll see if I can post a picture of it.

This thread will help: https://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/46278-dumb-question-on-sir-tools-p253-camshaft-timing-tool/

I do have these tools for rent and I’ll be doing a pad replacement myself soon!

Yes that is the tool. SIR P253. Have you done these before? Engine or out?

With your bank#1 deviation I would not drive the car until that is corrected, otherwise your next move may be pulling the engine!

A better question would be "How did he obtain those values?" We regularly see cars that the owners claim big deviation values, yet when we take the car out for a 20 min. drive to make sure it is fully warmed up, we see nominal values...….

I read everything I could find about deviation, varicam, and 5 chain. I think I'm a few degrees from a CEL. I don't put many miles on it and my oil filter was clean last year. It runs so strong and smooth it's hard to believe that it's ready to go bad.

My first read was over -9, after reading a few posts I drove 30 mins. got it hot and checked again.