Nick we talked about this. You're really putting your ***** in the bandsaw. WTF are you waiting for man? This is where your next money needs to be spent. Eat ramen for a few weeks if you have to. You're gonna be kicking yourself in the *** (I will be kicking you in the *** too) if it goes and takes out your engine. It is gonna go and is likely to be sooner than later.

 

My biggest reason for asking is upfront cost between a 1.8 and 2.8 v6.

I guess I'm just use to different engines, I can find countless people with over 200k on 4.0 and 4.7 V8 Jeeps that have never touched it, can't find anyone who has changed it really. Also I know it makes a difference how the engine operates. (interface or something) I know on most mazda's if it breaks the car just shuts down, replace and your fine.

Whats it compare with the 1.8 in terms of price and ease? same deal with tensioner/waterpump etc

 

Jeeps, some mazdas and old bmws use non interference motors, so the valves never occupy the same space as the pistons. Our cars (1.8 and 2.6) have interference motors, so the valves and pistons share the same place, but at different times. if/when that belt goes (because to me it seems like your not going to change it, I hope otherwise) Your valves and pistons will end up smashing into eachother, bending valves, cracking pistons, etc.

Edit I looked up prices for you from blauparts.com:
1.8 AEB, ATW, ATB basic kit, no cooling parts- $179.95
AWM with cooling parts- $259.95
12v $219.95
30v $265.25
30v enhanced (comes with extra goodies) $345.95

 

With regard to the kits Keegan posted, don't even consider the cheaper kits without the cooling parts. Water pump and thermostat are part of the service and need to be done. You don't want to go through all the labor to do the service and omit them only to have a water pump failure down the road. Case in point on this is the 03 B6 1.8T in my garage with a failed water pump - these parts do wear out and you'd be a fool to not change them while you're in there.

 

Thank you, exactly what I was looking for. I'v only had Jeeps(but alot) some mazda's and then audi and bmw's were leased so it never came up. I'm not avoiding it by any means, It's actually more of making sure how often I should change it out and if it would impact going with a 1.8 or V6. If its about the same then its a mute point. Thanks for the info