The 4B11T engine in our Long-Term 2008 Evo GSR boasts chain-driven cams in lieu of the belt-driven affairs of the earlier generation of Evos (VIII and IX). This opens a whole new can of worms when it comes to cam replacement.
Swapping cams pretty much necessitates a vehicle lift unless you're some kind of vehicular masochist. The front engine mount, timing covers and oil pan must be removed, and the whole job consumes about 50% more time than the earlier cars due to all the scraping and cleaning of the gasket goo that covers everything.
Road Race Engineering charges $500 for a cam install on the Evo X. You might be able to DIY, but I wouldn't want to.
Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor @ 15,851 miles.
subytrojan says:
04:13 PM, 01/26/09
Great photos! I can almost hear Tim "The Toolman" Taylor saying, "More power!!!"
srlracing says:
04:31 PM, 01/26/09
Sounds a lot like 5 hours in labor if you ask me. What was the actual shop rate?
Jason Kavanagh replied to comment from srlracing
04:39 PM, 01/26/09
srlracing, its a flat fee for the install. The actual install takes a bit longer than 5 hours--more like 7.
firstwagon says:
04:55 PM, 01/26/09
I still think it's worthwhile to have a timing chain over belt.
Very few people wil ever change a cam but every car will need a timing belt change (or 2 or 3 depending how long the car lasts).
Having a chain instead of a belt is a major feature I will look for on my next car.
srlracing says:
04:57 PM, 01/26/09
J to the K, that is so weird. I wish the shops I deal with charged flat fees...
subytrojan says:
05:48 PM, 01/26/09
Perhaps they haven't done that install on a 4B11T before? :shrug:
jkavanagh says:
09:29 PM, 01/26/09
subytrojan--our car was RRE's sixth installation of the Cosworths in an 4B11T.
stingray454 says:
08:39 AM, 01/27/09
I'm a DIY'er, but $500 definitely sounds worth the money to have them do it.
subytrojan says:
07:45 PM, 01/27/09
Ah. Ya'll must've been spending too much time having fun and shootin' the breeze. :o)