AEM TruTime TDC markings?

[usmc0651dns]

I was wondering if the markings that I have at 12 o'clock are the TDC markings on these cam gears. There are also two more markings on each gear at 3 and 9 o'clock (relative to the orientation of the attached picture).

Thank you.

 

[snowborder714]

The marks you want to be lining up for TDC are the 3 o'clock mark on the exhaust cam gear and the 9 o'clock mark on the intake cam gear. You can see them in the 2nd picture.

The marks at 12 o'clock tell you (when adjusting the gears) how much advance or retard you have on each cam. These have nothing to do with TDC or setting timing.

 

[usmc0651dns]

So it would appear that I am a tooth or so off. If I were to rotate the gears a half turn, there would be two different marks that would match up just like these. Would either way be TDC?

Thank you for the quick reply and the throttle body is pristine (been extremely wrapped up in work)!

 

[snowborder714]

I can't really tell if it's off or not. You need to get a picture down at the level of the marks and see if they align with the valve cover mounting flange (look past the marks).

 

[usmc0651dns]

It appears to be one tooth off from that perspective. Would it be better to adjust the cam gears or use a timing light and the 1G CAS to get it to 5 degrees advance?

 

[snowborder714]

If both the crank and oil pump line up to their marks, then I would redo the timing. You don't want to use the adjustable cam gears to time the car. And you can't use the CAS to adjust that.

 

[usmc0651dns]

As far as that is concerned, it is already correct. The only thing I have left to do with the timing is just to set the base timing. Would it still be 5 degrees advance with a stroker (2.3)?

 

[snowborder714]

I'm confused now. If you say base timing is set, how can it be a tooth off?

If timing is set (all marks are in line) then yes, you'll need to fire up the car to set ignition timing to 5° BTDC.

 

[usmc0651dns]

I pulled off the CAS to have it cleaned. In doing so, without comprable knowledge, I didn't mark it for the reinstall. I put it back on and the car wouldn't run due to the ignition timing being off. I am not trying to get that straightened out and reinstall the CAS. To do that, the cams gears should be showing TDC and then its just starting her up and adjusting to 5 degress advance, right?

 

[snowborder714]

1. I would put the engine at TDC.
2. Make sure you don't have the CAS 180° out.
RRE Instructions
3. Install CAS and have it centered to the best of your ability.
4. Fire it up, let it warm up to operating temp, ground timing connector (use ECMlink), and use timing light to set ignition timing.

 

[usmc0651dns]

Thanks again for the help. I will post back if I run into anymore issues.