Competitor9

Ok swapped the ap1 retainers for new ap2 retainers. 3 of 8 were cracked if you are still rocking ap1 retainers def, something to look at. Now I've read a few posts about putting the cams back in place and making sure they are aligned properly. specifically this thread

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/543...ment-question/

Now in there it says the car won't start with the cam's out of time with each other. But that is on a stock ECU. I am running an AEM Series 2 EMS so I'm not sure if that "safety feature" is part of my ecu programming. So the cams look lined up to me, they are hand tightened but not torqued to spec yet, have a look let me know if you think they are lined up. Also if you have any information on if the AEM ECU also will not let the car start with cams out of time that would be valued information. I'm just trying to be careful before putting the valve cover on and aimlessly firing the engine.

Competitor9

[media]https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/gallery/image/814762-tdc/[/media]

a better bigger picture

blasphemy101

FWIW I've seen it mentioned that AEM EMS does not have the same protections as the stock ECU i.e. it will try to start, even if the cams aren't aligned.

Competitor9

So what do you think about the alignment does it look good? I think the alignment looks good but I did this same job on my friends ap1 and the first time we tried it wouldn't start. So I'm a little worried about my eye up ability.

blasphemy101

Since I haven't done the job myself, and I've seen some descrepancies in other peoples' pictures where the marks themselves may or may not line up perfectly, I'm hesitant to say. When I get home to my computer I'll give it a look, though.

Billman250

camera is too high, and too far to the left.

Take the pic straight on. the marks will line up with the seam between the upper and lower cam towers.

Competitor9

I've inspected it a little more. I also called AEM they said the car will try to crank even if the cams are off timing so I have to get it right the first time or boom! My biggest concern is the rear of the cams I though both had a nipple pointing up. Now the nipple on the left side looks like this \ and the nipple on the right is straight up and down. Any information on that?? I hope the pics are better, i think it looks lined up but I have to be positive. Just want to be safe


crank location





doesn't look lined up by helms standarrds but head on looks good

rear cams



tdc?




any and all information appreciated

S2KIrishman

like billman said, try to get a picture that is more dead on straight, but by the looks of it, it doesnt look lined up

Billman250

First off, put the white mark on the pointer. You are way off.

THEN take the pic of the cams.

I'll bet your exhaust cam is one tooth off.

Billman250

Draw an imaginary line, straight out from the top of the timing chain. Thats where you want the camera.