I have a 2001 S8 with 42,600 miles. I just had a timing belt kit installed today (includes serpentine belt, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze, and various seals and tensioners) because I was worrying about the belt being 8 years old. I was beginning to have visions of an engine re-build.

On examination of the old belts, they were in very good condition. So apparently these belts age well, and if any of you are in a similar quandry, maybe my experience may offer some guidance.

If any of you are curious as to what this costs, my Connecticut dealer quoted $2,400-2,500. Once I picked myself off the floor, I got quotes from three independent garages that specialize in foreign autos. Quotes were: $1,400-1,500 and $1,600-1,700 and finally had it done where they charged $700 labor and I supplied the kit which I bought from www.Blaupaarts.com for $565 (includes shipping) for total of $1,265. Happily the garage owner ownes an Audi RS6 and the install went smoothly. Moral, shop around.

 

Yes, the timing belt ABSOLUTELY should be changed simply based on age. The belt may "look" fine, however there are several factors to take into account with this.
1. It's rubber, and rubber doesn't "sit" well. The flexing and stretching that any rubber part undergoes in daily use releases natural oils that keep the rubber lubricated internally, when it sits as much as it would to only have 42k after 8 years, those oils will dry up, causing the rubber to rub on itself internally, creating additional heat and premature wear, even though it's not visible.
2. It's pretty cheap insurance, even at $2500, how much would it cost to replace all of the valves, not to mention if it damaged a head or a couple of pistons?
3. Did I mention that it's a rubber part?

I ride a Ducati motorcycle, I replace the belts EVERY YEAR, despite the fact that the factory recommends 12k mile intervals, they get done about every 8k. A friend broke a belt on his Ducati, and the $80 belts on a 4 year old bike with only 6k miles ended up costing him $2900 with one new head, one new piston, 4 valves, 2 new belts, and me doing the labor for free (while lecturing him about maintaining the bike). My rule of thumb for rubber T-belts is if the factory recommends 60k, pretend you drive 15k every year, therefore it should be done every 4 years, period.

 

Reckless Kelly,

Seems you're not so reckless after all! Actually I'm in agreement with you and am only sharing that, considering its age, the belt was in very good condition. Did I mention that for the first time in months I slept like a baby or that when I gun my S8 my hands no longer shake and my lips quiver with fear?
Best $1,265 I ever spent

 

Oh, you haven't met me. I keep everything in running order so I have my pick of HOW to be reckless, driving fast, racing motorcycles, insane mountain biking, ocean kayaking (during a hurricane), or surfing (also during a hurricane). I just know that you have to be willing to "pay to play".

 

OK, I'm game, although I don't track race. This is my '99 Triumph Daytona 1200 Special Edition (#128 of 250). I use an '08 Kawasaki Concours 14 (A.K.A. GTR 1400) for fast touring.

Not to turn this into a motorcycle post

 

This is me on my Aprilia at Jennings in FL. and showing off at Barber Motorsports Park during a trackday.

 

gosh i wish i had taken a pic of me when i reached the summit of mt. everest in the coldest month WITH typhoid fever and the STD that saigon hooker had given me...

 

Dame bigern45, you dah man!

Redckless Kelly,

OK, you earned your name back! I notice that, like me, you wear glasses. Generally I don't mind them at all. However, I still like to play some soccer (need to head the ball and still see well), and thought it would be nice to not have them under my helmet. So decided to get some contacts this Spring. I was surprised at how reasonable this is. It was time to see an eye doctor anyway and that was $120. Then the fitting for contacts was $75. Then just needed to buy the contacts which were $55 for three months supply (likely will last me a couple years). Had this done in Tampa.

Since I planned on just using the contacts on occasion, the doctor reccoed going with 1 day contacts. That is, you wear them one day and then throw away. So a box holds 90 pair of contacts or 3 months supply. This avoids needing to sterilize contacts etc.
The brand I am using is Clearsight 1 Day by Cooper Vision and they are very comfortable.

For riding I find it a little more comfortable and don't have to deal with glasses sometimes fogging under my helmet in cold weather. Second, I can now buy cool looking cheap non-prescription sunglasses:-)

Just thought I would pass this info along.

 

You're in the Tampa area? I'm in Bradenton, we should get together sometime.

I tried contacts a few years ago, but I have to have torric lenses, and the weighting of the lens always messed up my vision while riding. I'd keep my head level, and the cornering forces would make the lens rotate, NOT GOOD for an astigmatism! Looking into lasik in the next year, I have several friends who are very happy with their "new eyes".

 

Will keep your offer in mind. I won't be back in Florida until the Winter.