My 1.8T has almost 51K and in the FAQ its suggested to get a new belt at about 60K... good idea? Also, while I am dippin down there and puttin in a new belt, Would a nice new set of aftermarket pulleys do me any good? If so, throw some ideas my way. Thanks!

~the kid everyone hates~

 

pulleys have been shown not to gain anything. Some claim better response and some have actually shown a loss in power. Save your money and put it somewhere else.

 

Oh, well I should really get the new belt right? I suppose I was just confused reading the FAQ about the belt and water pump and what not and just looking for some clarification...

 

get a belt kit from ecstuning or deiselgeeks. make sure you get a new water pump that has metal impellers also and your good to go.

 

Cincy... what would you rate a timing belt and water pump replacement on a 1-10 difficulty scale?
I've heard that's a very sensitive task that could easily end up in catastrophic mechanical failure if not done exactly right.

 

On the professional mechanic scale maybe a 6-7. On the DIYer scale I'd rate it a 9.5. Seriously its a big job and one you should spend as much time planning as doing. Scour the internet as there are many postings on how to change one. Create a plan on how to do it and have a second person with you. It's a job I couldn't have done alone. CincyTTs right though change the belt, tensioner, tensioner roller, and water pump impeller. I would go one step further it change the V-belt at the same time as it is not very expensive and you have to remove it anyway. Plus ecstuning.com sells a kit with the v belt added to the Ultimate Timing Belt Kit.
If you are a pretty skilled DIYer go for it you'll save about $600 dollars. If you are not that great mechanically and don't have competent help and access to tools I'd paythe dealer to get it done as it will be money well spent since if mideay through you decide you can't finish you're car will not be drivable and you'll know its done right.