Cam gears for V6. Add power AND mpg

Completed my install this morning. I'd say I had about 7 hours invested in the project. This is the farthest I've been into an engine, and the most substantial work I've done to this truck. So there was a bit of a learning curve. It wasn't bad overall. It's just a time consuming project. No doubt this would go quicker if I did it again. This thread is incredibly helpful! All the tips in here helped me a lot. Some tips that may help others:
- get familiar with the plastic clips holding wiring and hoses in place. I think I spent the most time messing with these.
- a little mirror on a telescoping handle helped me see in some awkward places. Especially for the clips on the back of the intake by the firewall.
- going through the fender for a few of the SAI bolts was key. Big thanks to whoever pointed that out in the thread.
- reinstall of the SAI onto the valve cover. I hooked the 12mm stud on the cover closest to the firewall, and swung it down so the 10mm studs caught on the flange. If positioned correctly, it'll catch the other 12mm stud in the process.
That's all I can think of right now.

Now for how it the truck feels after install. I put about 30 miles on it today running some errands. It was a mix of freeway and city driving. The first few miles felt weird as the truck readjusted. After it settled, there is definitely a better punch from a stop, and better pickup when accelerating at speed. One of the most noticeable things in my truck, was the near disappearance of the compression brake feeling when letting off the gas. There's now more of a coasting feeling rather than deceleration. My ultragauge showed some promising mpgs on this little trip, but I'll wait to post results until I've run a full tank or 2.

Overall, I'm happy with the results! Great learning, and satisfying, working on the engine, and great returns so far on the new cam gears. Thanks @mightytacoman !

I've gotta add my engine picture to our collection. I was in such a groove I forgot to get one when I had both valve covers off. So here's a half and half shot.

 

I was wondering how you were making out today. Glad you got your truck put back together and are happy with the results. Be sure to check back in after you get more seat time behind the wheel.

 

I would like to get in on the group buy. Thanks!

 

Yeah I had these gears on for about a week now. First impressions were ehhhhh. Nothing different then stock. But after a couple days of driving, I did notice better torque at low end rpm. It’s easier for the truck to accelerate to speed. I’m now the first one off the line at red lights. Used to be last. And coasting is much better now too. Think everyone says that.

mpg is better too. I’m guessing about 1.5 mpg so far. So yeah.
Thank you.

 

Bump up. Sets in stock. Anyone do installs this past weekend?

 

Just bought my truck. Interested in doing this. Should I replace anything else while I'm in there? Only 46k miles on her.

Edit: Reading above, it looks like there's not much maintenance to do on a truck with this low of miles. I'll jump in on this soon.

 

Right here! Although, as you know, I'm still waiting to give it a test drive. Thanks again for all of your help. It's been said multiple times in this thread but certainly worth reiterating that your level of support is outstanding. Makes me wish you made more stuff for our trucks!

As for the install; what went wrong, what went right, what took so freakin' long?!

In an effort to gain as much free movement of the wiring harness as I could, I unhooked the ocv/vvt connectors. In hindsight, don't touch the damn things unless you have to! Upon start up I immediately threw a P0010 code. Cleared it and I think it was back before I even released the "clear codes" button. I wound up cracking...like, BARELY cracking the sensor's connector. It wasn't unclipping easily and wiggling it a little bit was enough to do damage. I still can't believe it. I put a tester on it to check continuity and got nothing, however I don't really know if it needs power to it to properly test it. The thing looked brand new too, damnit. Either way, I have a new one that is arriving today.

I still need to get a new intake manifold gasket for the xtp spacer as well. Mine has been on there since the original gb and the gasket broke apart a little bit upon removal. I'd like to resolve that today. Debating cutting my own with some material at this point. I could obviously put it back together without the spacer so this is really not relevant to the gear install lol.

It wasn't all bad though! Had a couple guys over helping out. Multiple hands really help here. (God bless anyone doing this solo. I wouldn't want to)

Got the valve covers removed by the 1 hour mark. The cam bolts honestly broke free much easier than I expected. I used a nice big piece of metal pipe over it and broke free with little effort. Wiggling off the original gear wasn't too bad. Putting the new one back in had us stumped. @mightytacoman gave the secret tip of squeezing the chain tensioner/guide. I either missed it, forgot it, it didn't sink in or it's not in the thread, but squeeze the top and bottom together and the gear magically slips right on. I originally thought the only movement we got was from undoing the 12mm bolt. So after messing with the passenger side for literally 45+ minutes, the driver's side went on in 10 minutes with the new found knowledge.
Stopped for lunch and a beer, sent @mightytacoman some pics and he gave his blessings. Buttoned it back up and started it. Aside from the code, the motor was smooth. I've only driven it in to move parking spots. I don't want to drive it until the new ocv sensor is in.

It was the first time any of us have tackled this job. More intimidating on paper than it really is. In the end, the total time spent was about 9 hours including lunch and cleanup at the end. Keeping my fingers crossed for ocv/code resolution and maybe I can drive it by the weekend!

(Driver side pic looks like it wasn't timed right, but when torqueing down the new gear, the gears turned by a tooth. Everything was snug so they all turned in unison. All links were consistent between I/E on both sides)

 

@Chris(NJ) would you be open to helping me out?

 

Sure. Can gladly help out

 

I gotta figure out when i can come up to you. You have the knowledge now and the tools

 

Subbed, definitely interested in doing this to my rig

 

Sets are in stock and ready to ship when y'all are ready.

 

The 2012s are notorious for secondary air injection pump issues. Mine did it right at the 45k mark. I suggest getting the HP Tuners to disable it or buy a bypass kit asap. Other than that, I am at 106k without any work, aside from regular maintenance.

 

Or even cheaper, just do the UNI filter mod since the real issue is the OEM foam disintegrating and going into the engine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLcJ0mwckNQ

 

My issue was less of the pump and more of the valves corroding and getting stuck open. The filter mod would not have prevented that, especially in FL humidity.

 

OCV came in today and also ran over to Autozone to grab a roll of Cometic fiber gasket material. Cut a new gasket for the manifold and installed the ocv. Perfection! Runs like a dream.

I now understand the feeling everyone describes of the truck being more "free". It feels good overall. Looking forward to running a few tanks of gas through it and getting the tune done from justin now.

 

Whoohoo! Glad to hear it and glad we were able to diagnose the problem so quickly. Now you'll be kicking yourself that you waited so long to do the install.

 

I want that intake manifold spacer!!! Anyone got a file I got a shop that can make them.

 

haha, for sure. Thanks again for everything. I'd still be at it if it wasnt for you

 

Bump