ignition timing on 2AZ-FE

[Mid Life Crisis]

Hey all,

Does anyone know what the normal timing is at idle on the 2AZ-FE engine? I am getting a low "growl" or "groan" sound coming from the intake / intake cam area at low rpm's (idle). Sounds like it is controlled by the vvti because when I slightly apply the gas it quits. (sounds almost like a heat shield vibrating, but it's not) Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, the engine has stiffer valve springs, could this have something to do with it?

Thanks!

[JSM1284]

ENGINE
EG018-04
REVISED
June 3, 2004
Title:
INTAKE MANIFOLD NOISE
Models:
'02 - '04 Camry (2AZ-FE) (Non-PZEV)
TSB REVISION NOTICE:
^October 27, 2005: Applicable Warranty has been updated to the Toyota Federal Emission Warranty.
^August 19, 2004: The Applicable Vehicles information has clarified that this TSB does NOT apply to PZEV vehicles.
^July 13, 2004: The Applicable Warranty information has been changed. Previous versions of this TSB should be discarded.
Introduction
Some 2002 - 2004 model year Camry vehicles with the 2AZ-FE engine may experience the following condition:
A rattle noise from the engine area, most noticeable at idle or on light acceleration. The noise may be caused by the intake air as it flows through the intake manifold. The intake manifold has been modified to improve this condition.
Applicable Vehicles ^2002 - 2004 model year Camry vehicles equipped with 2AZ-FE engines (non-PZEV) produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.

Production Change Information

Warranty Information
Applicable Warranty:
This repair is covered under the Toyota Federal Emission Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date. For California specification vehicles sold, registered, and operated in California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, this repair is covered under the California Emission Warranty, which is 36 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
* Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint.

Parts Information
Repair Procedure
1.Verify noise is from the intake manifold.
2.Replace the intake manifold following the instructions on the Toyota Technical Information System (TIS), 2002 - 2004 model year Camry Repair Manual: Engine Mechanical.
3.Verify that the noise is NOT present after repair.