Porsche 911 GT3 Car

Best Camshaft Variator Service for Your Porsche in Thousand Oaks


By Bavarian Performance Specialists October 19, 2022

You paid a pretty penny for your luxury car, and you expect it to outdo all the rest. One of the parts that make this possible is the camshaft variator. The camshaft variator in your Porsche plays a crucial role in the power and performance of your vehicle. When it fails, you need to have it serviced as soon as possible in order to experience a smooth ride again

In this article, we’ll talk about what a camshaft variator is, why it is important, warning signs of failure, and who to go to for service when you need repairs.

What is a camshaft variator?

A camshaft variator (or CV, for short) is part of the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system. This system works with the internal combustion engine of your Porsche to increase your power when you need it, yet still have it run smoothly at lower power levels. The variator itself controls the timing of the valves so they can open and close when needed in order to let air and fuel into the engine when needed.

Why is a Camshaft Variator Important?

The variator opens and closes the valves needed to adjust the power you need while driving. Without it, the air and fuel or oil mixture needs to increase speed. Power would stop completely or keep going forever without being able to close. In other words, your ride would be a lot rougher, and the performance you are used to would be negatively impacted. Another purpose of a CV is to reduce harmful emissions made by vehicles. Camshaft variator failure hurts both the environment and your Porsche.

Warning Signs of Camshaft Variator Failure

If your CV begins to fail, you may notice any of these things happening:

  • You will experience rough engine idling. The timing of the VVT system should only really activate at higher RPMs. If the timing is off due to a malfunction with the camshaft variator, your engine will idle rough. This will break down other parts of your Porsche over time and cause many more problems, so you must see someone as soon as possible.
  • Your fuel efficiency will decrease. A camshaft variator and the VVT system open and close the timing valves at appropriate times to maximize your performance and reduce the amount of fuel used to do it. If you notice that you have to fill up your Porsche will fuel more than you usually do, this could be your problem. Gas is expensive here in CA, so you will want to fix the issue before it empties your wallet.
  • The engine oil is filled with debris. When this happens, the other parts of the CV and the Variable Valve Timing system can’t work properly because everything becomes sticky and clogged. The entire system will stop functioning entirely.
  • The Check Engine light will come on. This can happen for several reasons, but the failure of the camshaft variator is one of them. This is your first warning that something is wrong. Do not ignore it.

Where to Go for Camshaft Variator Servicing

Your Porsche deserves the best quality of care available. A standard mechanic may not be able to do what needs to be done the first Porsche Camshaft Variator Service time around. This causes only more stress and money spent down the line.

What you need is a team of technicians who specialize in the care of foreign vehicles like yours. That is why you should make your way to Bavarian Performance Specialists in the Thousand Oaks area.

Bavarian Performance Specialists has been in business since 1983. Our experience puts us head and shoulders above the competition. A business can only stay open so long as customers are satisfied. If you own more than one luxury vehicle, you should know that we also service these brands: Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen.

Make us your one-stop shop for all of your vehicular needs. We guarantee that you will be satisfied and ready to take to the roads again in no time. If you live in or around Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu, and Newbury Park, CA, give us a call today!

* Porsche 911 GT3 Car image credit goes to: Sjo.