timing belt change.. opportunity to upgrade cam gears?

I really gotta get my timing belt changed (i have 133k on my Si) but I was wondering if I could just have the mechanic throw on some AEM cam gears or something while hes under there, is this a good idea and how much extra do you think that will run me? thanks

I really gotta get my timing belt changed (i have 133k on my Si) but I was wondering if I could just have the mechanic throw on some AEM cam gears or something while hes under there, is this a good idea and how much extra do you think that will run me? thanks


AEM camgears can run $175-$250. May as well put them on.

AEM camgears can run $175-$250. May as well put them on.

I know they are popular... but is AEM the best? what should I look for specifically for a N/A 94 prelude Si

if you're paying for a timing belt change (ching ching), it's really not hard at all to change the cam gears (1 bolt for each,with a key?) - the mechanic should technically almost do that for free (if he's nice) - if it's not a shop you trust i'd be sure to take a peak afterwards to make sure the AEMS are actually on there though, but then again i've had really bad experiences with shops. doing this while your timing belt is getting changed is the most opportune time.

if you're paying for a timing belt change (ching ching), it's really not hard at all to change the cam gears (1 bolt for each,with a key?) - the mechanic should technically almost do that for free (if he's nice) - if it's not a shop you trust i'd be sure to take a peak afterwards to make sure the AEMS are actually on there though, but then again i've had really bad experiences with shops. doing this while your timing belt is getting changed is the most opportune time.

i didnt think you could even see cam gears on preludes?

also. is it true ill get like no (1-2hp) power from them unless i heavily modify some other things?

i didnt think you could even see cam gears on preludes?

?? when you remove the valve cover - you have two long camshafts that run the width of the engine, the one towards the rear is for the intake valves - the one closest to the front of the car is for the exhaust valves - at the end of the camshafts (in the timing belt area, on the right side of the engine when facing your car from the front) are the two cam gears. so to answer your question - you can't see them when you're valve cover is on, but it's not that hard to lift that and take a peak, I'm not sure because i'm not looking at my car at the moment - but you might even get away with removing the middle timing belt cover and taking a quick peak. - I've seen pics of people modifying their valve cover so the timing belt/camgears are exposed I assume for quick timing adjustments in track circumstances - I dont really recommend that unless you are building a track car only - too much at stake when daily driving with belt/gears exposed (;

and yea with *just* the cam gears I don't gonna think you're gonna see
huge/(any heh) gains... but if you got the dough and plan on doing more modding you might as well throw em in now. they're gonna be useless unless you plan on doing some real tuning with a dyno and someone who knows how to tune!, because as you know the AEMS (and other variety's) are adjustable for adjusting when you're exhaust valves and intake valves open.

i didnt think you could even see cam gears on preludes?

Yeah, you don't normally see them unless your valve cover happens to have moon cuts.

well since my h23a has 133k miles on it i wont be upgrading it that much so I guess cam gears would just be a waste on my prelude.

what mods do you have on it so far?

what mods do you have on it so far?

the only performance mod i have is a catback greddy system, im obviously gunna get a CAI and maybe headers although i heard they are a waste, after that only minor bolt ons and appearance parts i guess, so cam gears wouldnt really do much for me im assuming.

mods on these cars never gain huge numbers, but you can see the difference at the track if the mods are done correctly.

again im comparing the prelude to my trans am, but with the header,cold air intake, and catback exhaust youll likly see 10-15 whp gains on the honda. the trans am gained 32whp from headers and a high flow cat