Cam gears for V6. Add power AND mpg

I did a supercharger rebuild with port polish, snake bite pulley mod, venom cooler, new plugs, belt, new fuel pump and oil catch can. Ive trouble shot it down to cam gears. I took no pictures of install. Ive been running long tube headers for 2 years without noticing too dirty of exhaust and AFR is the same as before or a little leaner.

 

IDK if it's possible to screw up. I mean it has to go one way. On the new notch. Front/F facing front. Tensioner bolted back into place.
And cam gear on the keyway.
I mean I guess it could jump a tooth and be out of time on the chain?
Unless it's out of time for another reason? Like I've heard of neglect can cause 4.0L to stretch timing chain more than a well-kept one. But I doubt yours is neglected therefore hopefully no timing chain stretch.

Besides that the way to tell timing is turn it over by hand clockwise to the 0 alignment mark on crankshaft, with alignment marks facing top on the cams. Then find the sight marks (lines)/windows and see if everything is lined up right.
But it's tricky and a repair manual with pictures probably has to be referenced to know, because there's a lot of lines. It's not just 2 like a normal car it's like 4.

Speaking of that I wonder how these affect a timing chain job and if I should keep my old gears
for example if the repair manual is written on how to time the stock parts
let's say years down the road I need to replace the timing chain;
would it be better to, at least temporarily, put stock cam gears back in to line up the new timing chain, before swapping the upgraded ones back in at the end
like if someone for whatever reason has to do a more in-depth tear down to re-seal lower main timing cover, replace chain, etc.

 

You don't need to keep your old gears. My gears still have a factory keyway of 0° if you wanted to use it for whatever reason.
Doing a timing job is very easy with the front cover removed.
As for checking timing- I have posted a great video of all the timing marks when things are at perfect timing towards the bottom of the 1st post.

 

oh yeah I forgot about that! (the stock groove on opposite side)

now to figure out what to do with my old gears...

 

I got sets going in the mail tomorrow if anyone wants to place an order before then- I'll have yours in the mail too. Most will have them before the weekend hits.

 

bump up.

 

Alright killers, I got my gears from Kel about a year ago with all intention of getting this thing done (timing chain, oil pump, water pump). Ended up having to wait another 20k because life, but hot-damn I’m really happy with the results.

Pulled the front clip off entirely (wanted better access, not necessary), broke down the top of the motor, pulled valve covers, spun the motor to TDC and got to work pulling the front cover. Took my sweet ass time doing the work, keeping it methodical and clean. Very happy to discover the internals were all super clean and in great shape. New gears installed easily, and installing new chains, tensioners, and guides was very straight forward. All said and done, not an awful job, but definitely not for a novice without assistance. I did use a youtube video, some guy from WI or MN. His motor looked like shit, but his video was informative and comprehensive.

i’ve since gone through two tanks of fuel, and I did realize a better MPG. I’m up to 16.5mpg on 33x10’s. Truck holds gear better, and when it winds up (think on-ramp) to 3-4.5k rpms the truck is really awake and the motor is kicking her in the biscuits. Other than the gears, the motor is bone stock with 176k on it. I’d wager I could hit 17.5 MPG if I start driving like an old man.

Also, Kel answered all of my questions and gave me a few solid pointers to make sure I did it right. Try getting that kind of service anywhere else. Thanks to Kel, I’m happier than a pig in shit and my Taco is ready for another 175k.

 

Checking in about a month after installing the gears. My work schedule changed a bit after installing so my drive patterns were different so I didn't have a direct comparison to my old MPG. In the last few weeks I've watched my ultra gauge closer than I ever have before.

I've had this truck for about 6 months and my MPG has been a pretty steady 15.5 with only slight changes from different types of drives. It didn't change after a tire down size, new spark plugs, air filter, and a couple other little maintenance items. Being back to a comparable commute and normal around town driving I was at 17 MPG on the ultra gauge, and 17.2 by hand calculating (they're always a few points off). So that's a solid 1.5 mpg increase! And I'm still enjoying the power that these provide, especially hitting the gas at a stoplight.

Interesting MPG note that I noticed on a trip from Portland to Seattle and back- MPG drops a lot in the 70-75 mph range. 60-65 seems to be the sweet spot on my truck. I guess a big, lifted box isn't so aerodynamic at those higher speeds. ha.

Thanks again Kel! These are rad.

 

1.5mpg aint nothing to sneeze at! Better yet- that seems to be what most people are getting as an increase. Really glad you're enjoying them buddy.

 

My UG is consistently reading 17.5 MPG with daily driving. Can't recall MPG pre gears. That's with intake, 76MM TB, gears, URD EL headers and HPTuners. I'm also running a Hybrid BAMF front bumper, 32" tires, 4" lift, and 4.56 gears in the rear.

 

4th tank of fuel and I’m up to 17.3. This is fun!

 

Doing a memorial week sale! $15 off for this entire week! My biggest sale ever!

 

@XPOTRPR

 

Been thinking about this for a while, Memorial day discount is the cherry on top PM incoming...

 

I saw..

I've got too many other things to do to the truck right now. Soon tho. And thanks for lookin out Buddy. <3

 

I will stop by and grab a set if you're local this weekend!

 

I should be around. Get ahold of me

 

I need to get my set marked before @mightytacoman leaves TW! Or else Im going to have to drive up there and have him install for me

 

I'm not leaving the site anytime soon. No worries on that front

 

ok thanks!