AEM 23-851BK Tru-Time Adjustable Cam Gear User Manual

TRU-TIME

,!

CAM

GEARS

1993 – 2000 Dodge Neon SOHC

Part number 23 – 851

WARNING:

This installation is not for the mechanically challenged! If you
are not mechanically inclined or do not understand the
procedure please do not attempt the installation. Refer the

installation to a reputable mechanic. It is highly recommended to
purchase the factory service manual to use as a guide along with

these instruction sheets.

Legal in California ONLY for racing vehicles, which may never be used upon a highway.

ADVANCED ENGINE MANAGEMENT INC.

15606 South Broadway Center Street, Gardena, CA. 90248

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Http://www.a-e-m.com E-Mail: [e-mail]

You have just purchased the BEST adjustable cam sprockets available. These AEM
adjustable cam sprockets are CNC machined from billet aluminum and then laser
etched with cam timing marks for adjustment up to ±10° at the cam or ±20° at the
crankshaft. Using the vernier scale on the sprocket hub helps to perform cam timing
changes quickly and accurately. The inner hub is anodized for lasting beauty and
resistance to corrosion. The out gear sector is hard anodized for resistance to wear.

We have found that there are significant power gains to be made by adjusting the cam
timing even with stock cams and compression. Adjustable cam sprockets are usually
required in applications where an aftermarket or reground performance cams are
installed or the cylinder head has been milled 0.005” or more. The use of these cam
sprockets allows the extraction of maximum power from your engine. We have recorded
gains of up to 10~15 horsepower due to cam timing tuning using adjustable cam
sprockets.

When aftermarket or reground cams are installed, the original manufacturer’s cam
timing specifications are no longer accurate. These adjustable cam sprockets allow you
to make necessary adjustments to cam timing to maximize the performance of your
engine. This is accomplished by “degreeing in” the optimum cam timing for a particular
engine set up.

The adjustable cam sprocket is especially effective when used with heads that have
been milled. The adjustability of the sprocket allows the accommodation of the changes
in cam timing due to the variation of timing belt length from the bottom sprocket to the
top sprocket when the head is milled. If the head has been milled 0.005” or greater the
relationship between the head and the block is altered by moving the head closer to the
crankshaft resulting in retarded cam timing.

It must be emphasized that the preceding descriptions are generalizations and any
adjustments made must be done with a conservative approach and on a dynamometer
or on a racetrack. We do not condone any illegal activity on the street.

Read and understand these instructions BEFORE attempting to install this
product

Front Cover Removal

a) It is important that the installer familiarize themselves with the procedures before

starting the installation. This procedure requires some Chrysler specific tools,
which cannot be substituted with other ordinary tools. If you do not have access
to these Chrysler tools please refer the installation process to a qualified
mechanic that does. It is important to have a factory service manual available for
reference while undertaking this installation. This procedure is best accomplished
using a lift. If a suitable lift is not available, for safety reasons, use appropriately

rated jackstands.
b) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
c) Remove all the accessory drive belts.

i) Alternator drive belt

ii) Air conditioning and power steering pump belt.
d) Remove the right front wheel.

i) Remove the right inner splash shield and the right engine-mount bolt access

plug.

e) Remove crankshaft damper bolt. Remove damper using Special Tool 1026 and

insert 6827-A or equivalent pulling tool. (Fig. 1)
f) Remove Right Engine Mount (Fig. 2)

i) Position a floor jack carefully under the transmission and engine and use to

take the load off the right engine mount.
ii) Remove purge duty solenoid from the engine mount bracket.
iii) Remove the vertical fasteners and the thru-bolt.
iv) Remove the engine mount.

g) Remove the power steering pump and set aside. This will allow you to move the

power steering hoses from the front of the engine. Do not disconnect any power
steering hoses. If you do disconnect any hoses then the o-rings at the banjo
connections at the top of the pump will need to be replaced.

h) Remove the engine mount bracket. (Fig. 3)
i) Remove the front timing belt cover.
j) Loosen but do not remove the cam gear retaining bolt.

k) Align the camshaft and the crankshaft timing marks by rotating the engine

with the crankshaft before loosening or removing the timing belt.

Note: There are two different methods used for timing belt tensioning,
mechanical and hydraulic. Please refer to the appropriate section based upon
your model.

2) Timing Belt Removal

a) Hydraulic Tensioning

i) Loosen the timing belt tensioner fasteners and remove timing belt and

tensioner. Do NOT loosen, tighten, or remove the tensioner pivot bolt.

(Fig. 4)