what is a fair price for timing belt change?

[definitiveno]

I was quoted 225 from a guy at a local garage. Small hole in wall place, but he has some decent cars in his own garage so i trust him. If he can build a 550 hp 1969 mustang fastback he can swap my belts.

I know I am supposed to do a BS eliminator kit but i think I will wait until I have the engine rebuilt for that. From my understanding it is a 1 hour job when the engine is out and a 4 hour job when it is in. So i will wait for that.

Anyway, i am in OC california if any one local wants to take the job for less. Just checking on the prices i was quoted though.

 

[definitiveno]

BTW I have to supply the belt, how much do those run for a stocker and is it worth the extra coin for a kevlar belt?


Thanks,
defno

 

[spyder97gs]

For starters, go with a OEM belt, from the dealership, or equivalent. It's a MUST that you install a new hydraulic tensioner, and I would also consider the idler pulley. $200-$250 is what can be expected for labor from most garages. $225 is a fair price IMO.

 

[midnght]

A Used Greddy UICP/Elbow. :laugh:



Sounds like a good deal from a mechanic or shop. I also suggest the OEM belt. Just use it and feel safe. Some others have had good luck with aftermarket orthers will swear by Kevlar. I trust the stocker since I know of a few 500+whp DSM's that use them with full confidence.

 

[steve]

Make sure to take him the VFAQ instructions. Just because somebody can wrench a V8 doesn't mean they have a clue about correctly installing and tensioning the timing belt on a 4G63. The archives are filled with tales of woe from people letting someone learn how to do in on their car.

How many miles on the engine. You may need aditional maint done with the belt.
(Please fix your profile too, we shouldn't have to go search old posts to figure out what you drive)

Steve

 

[krlyuzh]

You can always see if a fellow dsm tuner will do it for you. I had a guy do mine for $150 and he did a great job. Just be sure they know what they are doing. If your looking for a good belt, I bought mine off of ebay and it came with an tensioner pulley and water pump for only $100 shipped!! I know most people don't like ebay, but I swear by it.....

 

[midnght]

I strongly suggest the OEM waterpump kit

It is NEW and not REmanufactured. Many many horror stories.

2 things I do not skimp on with a DSM


Transmission stuff and the cooling system

 

[definitiveno]

What is wrong with my water pump? When does the manufacturer recomend replacing it?


Couldn't i just replace the water pump, oil pump and install the balance shaft elim in a year or two once ive saved enough for my stroker? I feel like ill just be doing every thing twice if i do it now then again when i rebuild it...

 

[4sfead]

The reason for changing the waterpump is because its behind the timing belt. So... if it happens to go out before you redo the motor you will have to do the timing belt job all over again.

 

[definitiveno]

When does the manufacturer recomend replacing it?

.....

 

[ArticNemesis]

.....

60k mile maintenance. Along with the timing belt and other components.

It will star leaking shortly there after (usually). As already stated, it's behind the timing belt, so it would be foolish to not have it done now. (Especially since you are paying to have the timing belt done. Wouldn't it suck to have to pay for him to redo the timing belt to get to the water pump?)

 

[definitiveno]

Alrighty, I guess i will get the water pump replaced as well too....