going to replace the timing belt/tensioner/water/pump, etc. i can't work on my car either here (apartment) or in fl (just planning a short visit to see family). so i can have it done in fl after the term, where the mechanic would let me bring a kit. or, the dealer here is close enough in price that all things being equal, i'd just as soon have it done before the drive home. wondering if there is any performance/durability differences between the likes of the ecs tuning vs oem? are the aftermarket kits higher standards, etc? am i better served waiting and putting this kit in for any reason other than $$$? thanks all.

 

The aftermarket kits like on ECS are either the same OEM quality or better than OEM. If you can find a shop to do it for you, with you providing the parts, thats great! My local mechanic did it once("Only this one time") for me because I had purchased a front wheel bearing and then didn't want to try to do it myself. Most shops are dicks about that kinda stuff because thats where they make part of their $$ is from parts. If everyone started bringing in their own parts they would raise the hourly rate up. How much is the dealer asking? If its close to $650-700 I would jump on that, $800-900 I would shop around, $1000+ I wouldn't give it a second thought. Also get the Cam seals replaced

 

Change the damper pulley and the two external belts.

 

They quoted me 1200 with them supplying the parts at suncoasy porsche,vw, audi in sarasota florida-didnt seem too high but I could imagine how much cheaper if I got the parts elsewhere. What city in FL u goin 2???

 

HOLY **** $1200!!! - shop around man - thats a good old dealer *** raping right there

 

Idid mine at Euro auto tuning here in Miami, it was about $1300 and they supplied the parts.
If you bring you parts im sure its much cheaper, if your coming to fl and around here miami
give them a call and talk to them tel: 305 688-9873. http://www.euroautotuning.com/

 

rhyab1-go to ed @cape automotive. $800 for tb/wp. was gonna do some extra stuff @ same time for $1100. tell him bil w/avant/ borla exhaust/then rear brake rebuild sent ya. i'm in atlanta til dec.
crazyhawk, akielb, thanks for the add ons.
for the rest of you, everythings more expensive in srq.