[sspade]

I found it very interesting that TIS instructs a very simple swap with no precaution taken for preventing timing jump... when clearly its possible if the cams are in just the right position to rotate slightly when tension removed (as proven by OP).

Im glad this post came about as Ive been sitting on the new tensioner for over a year and just haven't had the opportunity or urge to replace just yet. I think Ill wait and combine with valve cover job as suggested just so that I can see what's happening visually instead of hoping for the best!

Closing in on 90k on my 2016 (LCI) which surprisingly does not have the updated tensioner according to build date / realoem.

[wrongmark]

Obviously others have done it that way with no issues, so you might be ok. Some of the N20/N26 timing chains I’ve seen on YouTube are virtually hanging off (a lot of slack) and don’t seem to have skipped timing problem. But I’d definitely agree with your strategy.