Originally Posted by schia89
They have a bad rep because people that own them use cheap quality parts and don't build them right for the most part. They are easy to make power on them but when you do that with out quality parts, the life span shortens.
Also, always keep an eye on the timing belt. That is what snapped on mine and I am using it for an excuse to completely build everything.
Also, everyone says if you don't know how to work on them, then leave it alone... How the hell are you supposed to learn how to work on them if you never mess with them? In all honesty, if you ARE willing to get your hands dirty and turn some wrenches when something goes wrong, then go for it. Before I bought mine I really had no clue on what I was doing... Now I can do most of the work myself on the car.
You'll be able to tell if it is cammed or not. I would get a balance shaft delete kit. It'll save you some trouble in the future. Also, safc2 at least if it is not tuned with anything. Maybe bigger injectors, also. Enjoy the DSM.
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