The Project Pad

So for you guys running these 3b or AAN engines with upgraded, larger cam gears, are you reducing your service mileage for the timing belt. This is for those of you whole cheaped out and didn't buy a larger cf cover hah.

I've cut my stock belt cover off at the top as shown. Pretty common "adjustment" lol.
TIA

I was advised by a gentleman with the same open air tb scenario that it has made no difference for his belt life. This was on the classic Audi fb page FYI.

Where do I sign up?!

An Audi service tech recently brought it to my attention he has seen no negative effects from running no TB cover on the I5's for the full service interval. That was about an hour after I blew $200 on the "bumped out" efiexpress cover lol

It may not reduce the wear on the belt, but you always run the risk of dropping a bolt in there or a pebble getting in there and shredding the belt. Run the cover if you can

Exactly how I rationalized my purchase when I read the anecdote lol

audifreakjim wrote:risk of dropping a bolt in there or a pebble getting in there and shredding the belt. Run the cover if you can

...or a rodent storing nuts or if you have cold winters and park properly, ice/freezing rain finding it's way to freeze on the crank cog.

Anybody run the bumped out efiexpress cf cover over an Autotech 16v gear from 034? Also if so, are you running it with extra spacers beyond the long steel ones, rubber grommets, and the Alan head nuts?

Aron designed the "bumped out" cover to fit the adjustable units such as the Tomis cam gear. If yours is similar in profile, it should fit fine.

Ya that's kind of why I'm worried. I didn't know which gear it was made for. I'll have to scavenge the Googles for more info and maybe some profile views if available. Thanks for the heads up, PRAY

Have a look on the group buy thread on S2F re: 3B kevlar covers, IIRC. Think that's the one I kickstarted, back in the day.

Those look awesome! One thing that's killing me is not being able to find this build thread using reverse image searching I'm being told that the efiexpress cover should fit over the 16v Autotech gear since it's not terribly unique in design from the others available.

My main concern was really it's center section since when I would push down on the cover, every part would flex except that center area. It's supposed to fit fine though so I will do a start up later today with the cover nuts loose and slowly tighten them while observing any noises.

I am surprised how common the belt "flapping" against the inside cover is. I would like to diminish belt damage from it before changing the TB components of course. Maybe "my belt needs cinched up slightly" between the cam gear and water pump lol

No cover is necessary. Little different but I road race a mk1 rabbit and have ever had any cover on the belt anywhere. In 7 years never had a single issue.

Cool thanks for dropping a line. That's the kind of anecdotal evidence we like to see.

Hah, anecdotal, yes just trying to help other ppl not wast 200 on a cover that is not necessary...

I already did and it didn't fit and I had to modify the living fk out of it only to still have it rub occasionally as well as cracked in a spot lol. Thanks though. At least we have an answer down now.