I have a 1989 245 DLA (i.e., non-turbo, automatic--3spd + overdrive) with 133K. How much of a difference would the VX cam make in acceleration--from a dead stop...at highway speeds? Thanks.

I did the VX cam + Sport exhaust + Adj. cam gear. Definately makes a noticeable difference. Don't expect to burn rubber though.

How easy is it to install the adjustable cam gear later? Or, should I install it at the same time as the VX cam? Also, is IPD's VX actually the VX3? I'm concerned about losing my low end power with the VX without being able to adjust for it to some degree (literally). Thanks.

The gear is easy to install later, but you need to mess with the timing belt again. I found that in the very hot weather with the AC on that I needed to dial in some more power in the low end.

I have the VX in my '88, power was increased across the band with no loss of low end, quite the contrary, there was a noticable increase. It may seem slower down low but that's because it is stronger up top. I have 2 adjustable gears on the shelf that I haven't bothered to install because I like it the way it is. I do find as I stated before that manually selecting between 3rd and OD really makes the thing fly, I'd love to try one with a manual tranny. I also ran my base timing level up to 16 deg BTC a while ago, this really increased the low end, I now run premium in it and no pinging. Sadly the later 240s can't take advantage of this.
--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'84-245T 190K+
'88-240 190K+
'65 1800S ????K
'73 1800ES 117K
'92 745Ti 150K
Jeep Wrangler Sahara 10K
my pages

I second all of the below and add that a larger single muffler exhaust will help even more after the stock system rusts off of you get some extra cash.
--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'84-245T 190K+
'88-240 190K+
'65 1800S ????K
'73 1800ES 117K
'92 745Ti 150K
Jeep Wrangler Sahara 10K
my pages

Did that too along with a FlowMaster catalytic converter :)))
--
Happy Bricking!!! - Richard - '87 245 DL , '82 242 GLT - Half a million km between them!!!

Hello,

Best thing I ever did to my 245. Easy install along with a new t-belt, tensioner and water pump at 330,000 km. Gets the same fuel economy, still passes emmissions test no prob and has way more top end grunt. We're now at 393,000 km with no problems.

--
Happy Bricking!!! - Richard - '87 245 DL , '82 242 GLT - Half a million km between them!!!

Noticeable at higher rpm's.

What RPM do you mean? I'd like more passing acceleration at highway speeds where the RPM is about 2500 to 3000. Of course if I kick down out of OD, the RPM jumps way up but to always do that is uncomfortable.

it won't be uncomfortable after the cam change, my '88 routinly revs to 4500-5000 in 2nd/3rd. If you don't have a stick adjustments of the kickdown cable and manual control of the AW is all you got to make it run. I've been doing manual control of my AW since I bought it with no ill effects.
--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'84-245T 190K+
'88-240 190K+
'65 1800S ????K
'73 1800ES 117K
'92 745Ti 150K
Jeep Wrangler Sahara 10K
my pages