26 replies to this topic

[oz2044]

Has anybody had this done? where did you go and how much did it cost? just thinking worst case scenario. My vx has done about 3000 miles in the past 3 years and not been serviced in this time (ouch) and having just bought it it does sound tappy when it's warmed up. It's booked in for a full service and no lights have come on ie engine management or anything...... Thanks.

[myles]

Speak to Vocky on here; he'll sort you out.

[Wolfstone]

Recommend chain replacement is every 10 years or 100k whichever comes first. As your VX will now he over 10 years old, if you've no evidence it's already been replaced I'd just get it done for peace of mind.

[H1 HWK]

Hi Oz, recently had mine done, parts are approx £260 for the cam chain and balance chain, plus tensioner would probably be ready for a change. Depends on your garage hourly rate, but budget for around £600 to give you an idea. Nice comfortable feeling one is done though. Mine is on 57k but the car is 13 years old and the plastic parts tend to deteriorate, so better safe than sorry.

Edited by H1 HWK, 22 February 2016 - 09:22 PM.

[ghand]

I haven't got that nice comfy feeling 😂 2001 on over 80K, haven't got any death rattle on cold start up yet which is normally a good sign.

[ghand]

Just don't drive to close to me on the hoon Wolfy, them chains of mine could make a mess of your VX 👍😂😂 I have seen old Astras with 150k plus on the same chains, so I should get years yet 👍

Edited by ghand, 22 February 2016 - 11:47 PM.

[Mattyboi]

Hi Oz, recently had mine done, parts are approx £260 for the cam chain and balance chain, plus tensioner would probably be ready for a change. Depends on your garage hourly rate, but budget for around £600 to give you an idea.  

 

Is that £600 all in or on top of the parts cost?

 

I'm just working out my servicing costs now so this thread came up at a good time! Its timing chain, fluids and engine mounts for me this year. Bye bye bonus!  

[Wolfstone]

Where abouts are you Mattyboi? Happy to do your engine mounts for you to save you a few pennies as long as you aren't too far from Milton Keynes. Failing that I'm sure you might find another member locally willing to help with them.

[myles]

That's a very kind offer; I'd take Wolfy up on that one. Watch and learn though, because you'll probably be doing it again.

[Stevie Dubyah]

I got m cam chain done a few years back. Didn't think it had any problems - just preventative - but when it was done the thing ran so smoothly...

 

 

Another vote for Vocky here.

Edited by Stevie Dubyah, 23 February 2016 - 09:44 AM.

[gaffer1986]

I had mine done by Vocky in September 2015, I highly recommend him he is an expert with these engines and I would rather he did the work than Vauxhall. You should get them replaced every 8 years or you're risking a new engine, I have seen one snap with 70k on the clock (not my car) and I've only owned a VX220 for a year.

[oz2044]

cheers guys that's great.

[H1 HWK]

Hi Oz, recently had mine done, parts are approx £260 for the cam chain and balance chain, plus tensioner would probably be ready for a change. Depends on your garage hourly rate, but budget for around £600 to give you an idea.  

  Is that £600 all in or on top of the parts cost?   I'm just working out my servicing costs now so this thread came up at a good time! Its timing chain, fluids and engine mounts for me this year. Bye bye bonus!  

Hi Matt, that was including the parts, but I had some extra work done so don't have an exact figure for the labour component. A bit too far for you, but I had the work done at QMech just outside Bridgend, always great service and realistic rates.

[Barton]

Where abouts are you Mattyboi? Happy to do your engine mounts for you to save you a few pennies as long as you aren't too far from Milton Keynes. Failing that I'm sure you might find another member locally willing to help with them.

Happy to help The Wolf with this also.

[r2mlb]

Check out my project thread, shows my cam chain being done by Vocky. He started mine up and there was no signs or 'death rattle' at all. But you can see the slack in the chain and condition of the plastic parts which become brittle over time. It has put my mind at rest, I just worry about toe links now Vocky is a top bloke and he knows his stuff!

[Mattyboi]

 

Where abouts are you Mattyboi? Happy to do your engine mounts for you to save you a few pennies as long as you aren't too far from Milton Keynes. Failing that I'm sure you might find another member locally willing to help with them.

Happy to help The Wolf with this also.

 

 

Thanks guys! Thats a great offer of help, one of the reasons this place is so good! I've got some quotes back for the service work and having the mounts done at the same time as the timing chain etc adds a tiny amount so ill just get it all done at once. On the note of quotes, I spoke to Vocky and his quote was the best I have had, was very clear, responded quickly and he's local  so I'd recommend him to all in the area.

 

Very generous offer though, maybe we could use the time saved for a local meet instead!

Edited by Mattyboi, 26 February 2016 - 12:29 PM.

[Mattyboi]

Bump!

 

Has anyone used pattern parts from places like GSF for the timing chain or balance chain kits?  Its 40% off today (code is piston40) so even over ebay prices it saves £75. This is the balance chain kit:-

 

http://www.gsfcarparts.com/023gm0060

[Chris P Duck]

Personally it's an area id go OEM only. Not an area to scrimp.

[Mattyboi]

I'd normally agree if it was posh engine but as its an astra engine and these are a good make of pattern parts it makes the choice more difficult. Add in that a friend with an S2 Elise has too use rover pattern parts for his belts etc gives me abit more confidence.

 

EDIT = I should add that these parts are the same or more expensive than pattern parts without the code.

Edited by Mattyboi, 09 March 2016 - 09:23 PM.

[The Batman]

I would only use GM parts - £275 for both chains