00 boxster camshaft tensioner question

[scooter1m]

00 porsche boxster  2.7 liter

 

ok so now i know i gotta replace bank 1 camshaft tensioner. now  i always here that it could be the solenoid but you wont know till you put in a new one and button it all back up. i just want to remove the whole assemble and replace it with either a good used one or a new one. what is your thoughts on that. is it ok to put in a good used one and if so how many miles should i try and stay under. ebay has one that has 67,000 miles on it. my engine the camshaft tensioner went out at 115,000 miles. a used one cost like $200 and $50 for new tracks that snap in and a new one cost $1000. i really do not wanna spend $2000 on  to tensioners when i can buy a new used engine for $2,500.  also i been checking part numbers and itm looks like i can take the camshaft tensioner from a 996/986, buty how about the camshafts can i use camshafts from a 01 996 or boxster s

 

so what should i do and does anyone have any low milage camshaft tensioiner actuator/solenoid assemblies for sale.

[NewArt1]

Not much information here. Why do you need to replace the camshaft? Used tensioner is a coin toss, but if the price is right... Replace the pads is a no-brainer: easy job, will correct your deviation problems.

[scooter1m]

yes, the only thing im replacing is the tensioner actuator/solenoid in between the camshafts. i will be using new pads if i by a used one. but do you think putting in a used actuator/solenoid with 67,000 miles in it is a good idea. i really dont have money to buy a new one at this time. also how to i bench check a actuator/solenoid before i put it in the engine just to make sure ebay didnt screw me again. lol 

[flyingpenguin]

My variocam actuators have 150k+ miles on them. If the DIY to replace them with a used one is easy for you, I'd try that first before spending money on expensive new ones..

[JFP in PA]

00 porsche boxster  2.7 liter

 

ok so now i know i gotta replace bank 1 camshaft tensioner. now  i always here that it could be the solenoid but you wont know till you put in a new one and button it all back up. i just want to remove the whole assemble and replace it with either a good used one or a new one. what is your thoughts on that. is it ok to put in a good used one and if so how many miles should i try and stay under. ebay has one that has 67,000 miles on it. my engine the camshaft tensioner went out at 115,000 miles. a used one cost like $200 and $50 for new tracks that snap in and a new one cost $1000. i really do not wanna spend $2000 on  to tensioners when i can buy a new used engine for $2,500.  also i been checking part numbers and itm looks like i can take the camshaft tensioner from a 996/986, buty how about the camshafts can i use camshafts from a 01 996 or boxster s

 

so what should i do and does anyone have any low milage camshaft tensioiner actuator/solenoid assemblies for sale.

 

 

Please do not start a second thread when you already have one open on the exact same subject (http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/47131-00-boxster-27-liter-need-help-p1341-codes/), it is against the forum guidelines you agreed to when you joined RennTech.

 

As noted elsewhere, as a matter of policy, we do not change any parts that have not been demonstrated to be defective.  That is what diagnostic procedures  are for.  As noted earlier, the actuators and solenoids can be individually tested to verify function, and as they are like a light bulb and either work or they don't, I would not change them without reason.  As for replacing proven defective parts with used units; again, we would not go there as there are just too many downsides.

 

Unless the cams already in the engine show abnormal wear, which would be an extreme rarity, I would not change them.  As for regrinds, that would need to be done by someone that really knows the M96 engine profile, as a lot of engineering has already gone into the cams already in the car, and the OEM cam profile is pretty much maxed out for the engine without going through the cylinder heads, etc..  I personally can only think of a couple people I would trust for that, and they would probably tell you the same thing.

 

When it comes to going through one of these engines to get more power out it, you are going to be looking at spending between $15-20K, and that money must be spent very wisely (read spent on things that matter rather than the normal "hot rod" stuff).