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Im assuming its just a case of taking the covers off, taking the old ones out and presumably they fit onto some sort of fitting inside the pulleys?
when you say go wrong, wrong as in wont work at its best ot wrong as in altogether shafted?! how much would somewhere like Ktec want for this job?(assuming i buy them there) just done a search and this questions been asked before but never really got a answer to the DIY part!
well depends how far out you get the timing could just be that its off and doesnt get the best out of the engine or if its way out could get a meeting of valves and pistons, not seen under the rocker cover of a 16v but id guess its a case of taking the cover off and removing any cam carrier bolts etc, you looking to fit verniers etc ? probably possible to do at home and have the timing set up at a garage but i suppose it also depends if you need a special tool to lock the crank in position while the cams are out
Fitting is easy, like loony said timing is hard BUT, depending on the profile you are going for its quite safe to fit the new cams using the std pulleys and jsut make a timing reference mark using tipex etc before you take them out.
Then you can just put the new ones in with the marking lined up so long as you dont move the crank and the new cams have locating keys. Drive to a place that can mroe accurately set the timing up....or you could just swing the cam either way a few deg till you feel its at its best.
If you shaft the timing and get it all wrong, youll bounce valves off pistons during startup and wrecj your pistons, bores, cylinder head and valves.
Alternatively, if you dont check running cleanrances (roughly 0.100-0.150") then you could clip a piston at high rpm.
If your tappets are worn and scored/damaged them you will instantly ruin your new cams when fitting......so check them first.