AEM 23-804BK Tru-Time Adjustable Cam Gear - Manual (Page 6)

i) The tensioner is spring-loaded to apply proper tension to the belt automatically after making
the following adjustment.
ii) Always rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise when viewed from the pulley side. Rotating it
clockwise may result in improper adjustment of the belt tension.
iii) Set the engine to TDC.
iv) Loosen the adjusting bolt 180
°.
v) Rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise so that the timing belt moves 3-teeth on the camshaft
pulley to create tension on the timing belt.
vi) Make sure the timing belt and camshaft pulley are engaged securely.
vii) Torque the adjusting bolt.
f) Rotate the crankshaft 6 complete revolutions and return it to the TDC mark on the crankshaft
pulley. The TDC marks on the AEM cam gear should align with the diagrams above. Note: If
marks do not line up the timing belt must be removed, the cam gear repositioned and the timing
belt re-installed. Repeat this step until the TDC marks on the AEM cam gear line up properly.
4) Calibration of the Tru-Time Adjustable Cam Gear
Adjustment of an AEM cam gear is best carried out on a dynamometer so that quantifiable results can be
measured.
a) Loosen the cam gear bolts.
b) To change the cam timing, place a wrench on the camshaft bolt. Turn the wrench counter
clockwise to advance the cam timing or clockwise to retard the cam timing.
c) Rotate the cam timing to the desired position and retighten the cam gear bolts to 15 lb. ft. Note: If
the head has been milled, take extreme caution when retarding the cam timing. There must be a
minimum clearance of 0.06” between the piston and the valve.
d) The cam timing directly affects the ignition timing in your vehicle. Once the adjustment of the
cam gear has been made you must reset the ignition timing back to the original location.
e) After changing the cam timing, perform a dyno run. If the results are positive then proceed further
in the direction of the timing change. If the performance decreased, then adjust the cam timing in
the opposite direction. Repeat this step until the optimum setting is found for your vehicle.
f) Apply Locite Red, or other suitable thread-locking compound; to the threads of the cam gear
bolts. Torque the bolts to 15 lb. ft.
The calibration of the AEM Tru-Time Adjustable Cam Gear is now complete.
Important information for the proper use of the Cam Bolts!
• The recommended torque specification is 15 lb. ft.
• Do not over torque. The maximum torque specification is 20 lb. ft.
• Anything less than the recommended torque value will allow the gear to slip.