Questions about Variocam parts, assessment

[boxster_nut]

I recently became aware of the Variocam technology in my 1997 boxster.  I have done some reading about it and there seems to have been a progression of improvements and associated assessments of cam wear.

I am looking for information specific to my vehicle.

How often should one read the cam deviations using the Durametric?

What is the general life time of the Variocam pads and associated components?

I don't have a Durametric, how can I assess if there is any degradation of the varicam components? (e.g. inspecting the oil filter, etc.)

What are preventative measures that I can do to ensure long life?

Where can I get a Durametric for a reasonable (cheap?) price? or a work-a-like?
Thanks

john

 

 

[JFP in PA]

4 hours ago, boxster_nut said:

I recently became aware of the Variocam technology in my 1997 boxster.  I have done some reading about it and there seems to have been a progression of improvements and associated assessments of cam wear.

I am looking for information specific to my vehicle.

How often should one read the cam deviations using the Durametric?

What is the general life time of the Variocam pads and associated components?

I don't have a Durametric, how can I assess if there is any degradation of the varicam components? (e.g. inspecting the oil filter, etc.)

What are preventative measures that I can do to ensure long life?

Where can I get a Durametric for a reasonable (cheap?) price? or a work-a-like?
Thanks

john

 

 

 

You should be check cam deviations at least a couple times a year after the car is fully warmed up (like after a 30 min drive).

 

Life span is all over the map, so time or mileage are not a good measures.

 

Looking for either green or amber/brown bits in the oil filter is a good idea.

 

Regular oil changes, high ZDDP oil, with high film strengths help protect just about everything in the engine.

 

You can find used Durametric systems from time to time, but you need to be careful of very old versions as they are no longer supported.  Any other system is going to cost you several times what a brand new Durametric system will set you back.