Vernier Adjustable
Camshaft Sprockets/Components
The Ford DOHC 6 cylinder engine has
hydraulically adjustable camshaft timing which
is controlled by the factory ECU. The factory
tuning retards cam timing (of both cams
simultaneously) at light throttle above 100 KPH
to aid emissions/fuel consumption and
subsequently provides no advantage to the
performance enthusiast. The VCT units do not
allow the cam phasing to accurately follow the
crankshaft/piston motion as closely as is
required, which brings about tuning and fault
code logging issues. Proficient tuners know that
accurate cam phasing is critical to extracting
maximum power from a given powerplant, so we
designed and manufactured adjustable cam
sprockets to allow tuners to maximise the VE of
their engine combination.
Another
advantage of our vernier sprockets is that it
eliminates the requirement to retain the
original Ford ECU and harness when transplanting
the DOHC engine. Very few aftermarket ECU’s can
control the variable cam function effectively,
so with this requirement eliminated a whole
world of possibilities of retrofitting the DOHC
engine to earlier vehicles becomes available to
the enthusiast.
Atomic vernier sprockets are CNC machined from
4140 chrome moly steel with the outer section of
the DOHC sprockets gas nitrided for maximum
durability. Secured together by four hi-tensile
allen head bolts, timing adjustment is quite
simple due to the degreed markings on the hub. A
full 36 degrees of movement is provided,
allowing the professional engine builder a huge
scope of adjustment.
The factory crankshaft sprocket in the DOHC
engine is prone to rapid wear when fitted with
heavier than stock valvesprings due to the
additional loading on the factory sprockets.
They are made from powdered metal (the same
material as the oil pump gears) and lack
sufficient structural integrity for high
performance applications. Atomic crank sprockets
are induction hardened for durability, feature
precisely located trigger teeth and our single
part number will fit every model DOHC engine up
to FG.
Atomic timing chains for the DOHC Ford 6 cyl are
more than 80% stronger than the stock chain and
are highly recommended for use with heavier than
standard valve springs. They are pre-stretched
at the factory and feature rollerised trunnions
with extra thick link plates to provide the
utmost in reliability. Will fit standard or
aftermarket sprockets and have OE style timing
links for easy timing.
Rounding out the cam drive system for the DOHC
Ford 6 cyl is our Heavy Duty timing chain
tensioner. It features a larger oil feed port to
provide more oil pressure to the ratchet and
stronger pawls for more secure engagement. The
symptoms of a faulty tensioner are intermittent
noises coming from the front/top of the engine,
especially when held at a constant RPM.
Another
advantage of our vernier sprockets is that it
eliminates the requirement to retain the
original Ford ECU and harness when transplanting
the DOHC engine. Very few aftermarket ECU’s can
control the variable cam function effectively,
so with this requirement eliminated a whole
world of possibilities of retrofitting the DOHC
engine to earlier vehicles becomes available to
the enthusiast.
