(This is a cross-post from 944 Online)
view the original here
I was able to find a very tidy replacement head for my 944S from a race series car in the midwest, but it comes to me with an unusual modification:
The oil supply line to the tensioner has been machined off, in order (as I understand it) to allow the pad to yield more easily under acceleration, thus advancing intake timing earlier.
Most people I mention this to regard it with disbelief, however the previous owner indicated that it does, in fact work, and causes a fairly smooth change over at around 3,000 RPM.
I haven't installed the head, yet, and I could use your opinions on it: is this dangerous or likely to fail? If you think so, why?