The early models wearing out thing wasn't the CAS wearing out --it was the drive pin on the cam shaft wearing out. ZiNnYc posted the most helpful link you'll find about it. Definitely check out the CAS drive pin on the exhaust cam to see if this is happening. It was due to a machining problem on the head causing the bracket (and CAS) to be misaligned with the cam. 2nd, make sure you're checking the timing using a spark plug wire between the coilpack and spark plug. I've gotten very inconsistent readings when trying to get the inductive pickup to read anything but that--PTU, coilpack connector, anything. At the very least, Cylinder 1's coilpack connector is the best alternative.