Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Topic: Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ? (Read 2429 times) previous topic - next topic

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

March 15, 2008, 02:54:42 PM

I am just curious if anyone knows what the best way to set optimum cam timing on the 2.3 ?

The reason I ask is, when I first set up my motor I basically to some degree set my cam the way Esslinger has you set it with their cam (E-BAR Method). Only I used a dial indicator on a flat plate I machined at work for this purpose. I have an Essy Star Cam gear as well (adjustable), of which I matched up the teeth and keyway to a factory gear.

As I have been working out the bugs in my build, the timing belt slipped a couple teeth when I was beating on it. So I had to line everything up again (crank, cam and dist.). and now it seems to run a bit differant. I mean it stills runs ok, just doesnt seem to have the pickup it had before the reset . Bottom end seems a bit slower and top end is fine. Before bottom end seem to have more to it.

Any input on this would be a help.

Thanks !

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Reply #1 – March 15, 2008, 05:53:58 PM

sounds like the cam might be retarded a tooth. line up your timing marks and see if all the marks are where they need to be.

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Reply #2 – March 15, 2008, 06:39:14 PM

use the string method to get the timing back right sounds like it is retarded a tooth or two..

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Reply #3 – March 15, 2008, 10:16:51 PM

I did the string method, as well as with the "E-Bar" method and it is the right position. What I want to know is, with the adjustable cam gear, what would be the best thing to do as far as getting it at the "Optimal Position" ie. cam 2 degrees' advance or 2 retarded. I was looking for someone who may have done this. I mean I could trial and error it, but I was just hoping for a shortcut from the trial and error.

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Reply #4 – March 16, 2008, 02:45:29 PM

advancing the cam moves the power curve about 200 rpm per degree lower and retarding it moves it higher. i would try 4* advance to start with and then go from there.

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Reply #5 – March 16, 2008, 09:47:16 PM

I'd make sure that the bolts on the gear are secure and the center section didn't slip (instead of the belt jumping).

What cam are you running? If aftermarket, the mfgr might have some suggestions.

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Reply #6 – March 17, 2008, 12:45:58 AM

You pretty much cant run advanced or retarded cam timing without an adjustable cam gear. One tooth on the stock gear is too much from what Ive heard.

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Reply #7 – March 17, 2008, 07:14:21 PM

It is a stock cam with and Adjustable Esslinger Star Gear. Havent really ventured into the performance cam area yet. Just wanted to see what I could get out what I had.

I think everyone misunderstands what I am asking. I guess I have to buy some time on the dyno so I can play around. So I can see actual Numbers.

I just am trying to "dial in" the best performance with what I have in this car. I mean I got alot, so once I maximize what I have, I will look at what I need to get more. This is how I operate. I like to play. This is only my 57th car I have fooled around with. It has been my biggest pain in the A$$ too. Though it is my first Turbo Ford car ever, in fact I never have fooled around with forced induction till I got this car.

So far it seems to be the only one that is keeping me interested as well, no car has ever done that for me before.

I mean usually I would have sold it by now. But I am keeping it.
I do however have a Camaro for sale, if anyone is interested. Boring Chevy !

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Reply #8 – March 17, 2008, 11:40:19 PM

Well, that answers the next question I had. Definitely get some dyno time where you can play with the variables, esp timing. If you're working with a stock cam, a lot is going to come down to what feels good to you. Have you checked the "proven combos" thread on TF? Personally, I'd swap in another cam, (just about) any cam, in place of the stock one. One more thing I don't remember seeing is whether or not you've changed rear gears.

Completely off topic, and at the risk of repeating myself, I love that color on your bird. My all-time favorite color is the Med Regatta Blue. Schwing!

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Reply #9 – March 18, 2008, 06:34:52 PM

Thanks for the compliment on the bird !

I still have the stock gears in the rear too, I am wanting to put in an 8.8 with disc brakes. I just havent gotten around to it yet. I will then change the gears.

Also as far as the cam goes, originally I had planned on making this a daily driver to use for work. Gas mileage you know. But that is no longer the case. So I may look into a cam too.

Best way to set 2.3 Cam Timing ?

Reply #10 – March 18, 2008, 07:24:59 PM

I *think* (somebody else jump in here if necessary) you might get a little better mileage with a Ranger roller.

I had a Crane Commander for a while. It dinged me for ~1-1.5 mpg city driving, but it was a blast to drive. The cam eventually came apart. I'm not sure if it was because of the head setup or Crane's QC.

Right now I've got the FMS roller. It's better than stock w/ similar mileage, but not as much fun as the Crane. The Crane loved to rev (so we had something in common).

Some like the Melling flat tappet, I haven't tried it. Boport now has some cams which look promising.

Not to belabor the point, but the cam choice should be made within the context of the entire car tune, ie gears, turbo, rev limit, boost etc.