Jim Wolf Technology VK45DE Camshafts

From the service manual, here is the camshaft install.

For those that are mechanically inclined -- any better guesses on how long this would take? Also, how hard?
 
Chedman13 said:
... any better guesses on how long this would take?...
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Assuming you have all the necessary tools and equipment needed for this operation, assuming you are not a professional mechanic, and assuming you don't uncover any other issues you need to address while removing old parts and reinstalling new parts, I would estimate this job at about 9hrs. Bear in mind I'm not a mechanic (a shop should be able to do this much quicker), use only hand tools, and you have to let the engine cool down at least once during the process (included in time estimate) to verify valve clearance. I would also apply a 25% margin of error on this estimate to account for any unforeseen obstacles. If I was doing this job (which I would totally attempt myself) I would start at 7am on Saturday and have nothing planned for the weekend.

Chedman13 said:
...Also, how hard?
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Due to the tools required, the intricate nature of the job and the percentage of the engine bay that must be removed in order to even gain access to the camshafts, I'd put it at a strong 6 on the 10 point difficulty scale. IMO a 10 on this scale would be turbocad's wiring harness project, porting and polishing heads, or rebuilding a CVT tranny. None of which I would attempt personally... To summarize; If you're a methodical dude who enjoys a challenge, have lots of tools, and some time to kill then I would say "go for it". If you're hesitant or inexperienced, it certainly wouldn't hurt to solicit some help from a friend. Preferably a mechanically inclined friend with a giant tool box in a giant garage.

Good Luck! :tup:
 
JWT back on track and looking at VK cams. My shop called, a couple of members have called.....As a % not near as much VK love as the VQ but maybe something will come of it.
 
Reading this thread and watching the Titan video make me want to get a 45... Since il be trading in my 35 I'll fallow this thread closely. It might help me made a decision whenever the time to pick up the FX( 35/45) come around..

Keep it up Ed and Logan!!!
 
If I had another car I would try it not too comfortable trying over the weekend and something I need is not available or breaks, just make sure you tag and bag your parts and take pictures to make sure everything goes back together. I think I have enough tools, a mechanically inclined friend would be good as well. I'll keep watching..
 
ThE Fx 45 BeAsT said:
make sure you tag and bag your parts and take pictures
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Lots and lots of pictures. And when you think you've taken enough pictures, take a dozen more. And even then, taken another dozen closeups. And then take another dozen for safe measure. Even when I think I'm taking PLENTY of pictures, I go back to look at them and realize I didn't take nearly as many as I need to remember how to put everything back together and wind up winging it
 
that is true I use to do ac/dc electrical motor repair and although I didn't take pictures everything was tagged and bagged and we had a good Parts breakdown list, which is handy
 
kieranlavin said:
Lots and lots of pictures. And when you think you've taken enough pictures, take a dozen more. And even then, taken another dozen closeups. And then take another dozen for safe measure. Even when I think I'm taking PLENTY of pictures, I go back to look at them and realize I didn't take nearly as many as I need to remember how to put everything back together and wind up winging it
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Sage advice, just sounds funny as hell....
 
It was meant to be funny because, as you probably know from undertaking similar endeavours, you always curse yourself out for diving in and taking stuff apart without documenting it whether it's in writing on a notepad, pictures, or labeled baggies. I tore apart a good portion of my wife's Maxima VQ35 engine last summer and wound up with 2 or 3 extra bolts and was flipping out that I didn't know where they went. I finally realized one was like a secondary bolt to hold the coolant overflow in place and other small bolts like that but it was scary for a few days.

Even when it comes to stuff like converting my lawn tractor for plowing duties in the winter, I have about 25-30 pictures and last spring I was pissed that I didn't have a closeup from a certain angle to figure something out. (my lawn didn't go unmowed though!)
 
Chedman13 said:
Yes, please help!

I am trying to plan this out so it is done correctly and in the proper order.

1) Engine Port and Polish of the intake and exhaust ports. Cheapest quote I received is $675 here Eddies Performance Motors-High Performance Engines, Crate Engine, Racing Engine Builder, Rebuilt Motor: Raritan Street, Sayreville, NJ 08872 Too bad it's in New Jersey. They estimate a 20 hp gain, but I realistically expecting 5-10 hp gain, if that? Maybe with all mods combined and tune, 20 hp maybe real?

2) Next is to install JWT S2 cams with JWT Springs and Shims. Eddie's Valve Grinding quoted at $475 installed vs $1,900 dealership and aftermarket tuning shops.

3) Also, at the same time, have VQ37VHR valve lifters installed. KIERAN -- would you be able to tell what size lifters I would need to get? I'm not sure if your friend has the specs/blue print of the VK45DE S2 Cam, they are custom ground from the VK56DE S2 Cams. This would be great as would save some down time of my car being out of commission as they would have to measure after they install then order the correct lifters.

4) Replace pistons to a different compression?? I am going to stay N/A as I don’t want the headaches of a FI. 10.9:1 is already high, not sure on regular pump gas that you would want to risk going any higher for slight increase in HP.

5) Swap Fan for e-Fan, thanks to Logan.

6) AWD Dyno tune.

Anything else? Port/Polish, JWT S2 Cams, JWT Intake, HKS Exhaust, OEM e-Fan, then Dyno-tune. It would be huge to see close to 300 AWD WHP N/A. With the parasitic loss, I don't think it's possible, but I'm hoping close enough. At least the power change will actual be able to be felt throughout the entire band.
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I know it's a stretch as it's been ten years since this post, but did anyone install these cams?

I'm working on my VK45DE and wondering what should I have done to it while it's out.
 
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