How To Tell If Cam Timing Is Off?

I got to drive my 1.8 8V GTI again after a while (6 months) and it feels slower than what I remember.

Although I drive a higher HP car and/or truck daily and might just be used to having a bit more go, the GTI just doesn't seem to have that pull in the upper RPMs. As I've checked everything I know how to check, I'm thinking that maybe the cam timing is off. How can I know for sure?

BTW, the car fires up on the first try, idles properly, revs freely and doesn't stall or sputter...it runs fine, really. But I'd like to be certain that the cam timing is what it should be. Please advise.

TIA!


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Glenn
MARRS ITB #07

Glenn, start back with the basics. Where is the "notch" on the cam gear @ TDC. It should be lined up with the bottom of the valve cover front. When that's lined up, remove the distributor cap and see if the rotor is pointed @ the #1 spark plug cable.

Check also to see that the crank is lined up @ TDC, with the notch lined up in the inspection hole of the bell housing.

What ignition timing are you using?

At what RPM does it not pull after?



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Tim Linerud
San Francisco Region SCCA
#95 LP GP Wabbit
http://linerud.myvnc.com/racing/index.html

Buy or borrow a timing light. Since the car does not sputter or stall, your timing marks on the pulleys are probably correct, but your distributor may need adjustment.

Ian

Thanks for the tips, Tim & Ian...have verified both cam and ignition timing. Everything checks out okay...I just needed more time in the car to get a feel for her again.

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Glenn
MARRS ITB #07