21 replies to this topic

[Al3x]

So far I've been quote over a grand for parts and labour including VAT to do the timing chain and balancing chain! This seems very expensive, but I've been given the same figure by: 1. Lipscomb Lotus in Maidstone 2. Sinclaire's / Essex Motorsport 3. Vauxhall dealer Currently awaiting quote from Back on Track. I thought this sounded pretty steep, but seem to be getting the same quote. Anyone else had the work done and know what I should be paying? And do you know anywhere else in the south who'd be good. Looking to get this sorted asap as the VX (NA 2002) is my daily drive and having to get trains, borrow cars etc is becoming very very tiresome. Cheers, Alex

[rabidh]

Not sure how much in labour, but the parts cost is nowhere near that. I think the last time I got a timing chain kit it was £100, and the balance shaft kit is around that too afaik. In terms of work, I doubt there's any more than a day's work assuming the chain hasn't already broken? I've never touched the balance shaft chain, but the timing chain takes me way less than a day. Maybe there are some owners on here that would be willing to help you out? It would be interesting to get the same quote for a Vectra and see if it's any different - as IMO the work involved isn't at all (apart from removing the undertray, which is 10 mins max)

[Whiteboy]

Bot should be around £400. The chain and the damper is £120, it is just a horrible labour intensive job. Steve

[Mike (Cliffie)]

Holy crap. At that sort of £££ I should learn how to do it.

[chrisgold]

Holy crap. At that sort of £££ I should learn how to do it.

that sort of ££££ I Would learn how to do it.

[Al3x]

Timing chain kit: £113.00 + VAT Balancer chain kit: £127.00 + VAT Timing housing gasket: £10.85 + VAT Labour for both is coming out at £650 + VAT All in £1,058.00...and this is the cheapest quote so far.

[Al3x]

Bot should be around £400. The chain and the damper is £120, it is just a horrible labour intensive job.

Steve

Let's hope BoT come up trumps as I need to factor in a trailor for the wee beasty too.

[Kieran B]

most that have had this, have done it through Vocky i believe. worth a PM?

[TIP]

yes it is a long winded and labour intensive job,

I had NEVER attempted anything like it before, yes I change my own pads and discs, change filters and fluids but this was in a different league.

but I am currently skint so had no choice but to have a go.

basic tool kit, borrowed a torque wrench, printed off a load of guides.

a good weekends work

[Winstar]

Changing the chain is the easy bit it's getting to it that takes the time, however that sounds somthing like 10 hours labour which is rediculus it took me less than that on my first attempt and that included having to dremmel off most of the exhaust bolts. If you where a bit further up this way I'd do it for a lot less than that.

[Anarchy]

Holy crap. At that sort of £££ I should learn how to do it.

If you charged say £400 I bet people would happily let you have a go.

I managed it, it took about 4 days but I mess about fetching every socket and spanner as I need it from my dads.

[slindborg]

I'm formulating an 'offer' for you , that is if the mrs let's me

[Mangham54]

I was quoted about £600/700from Nidd Vale Harrogate, ended up at RASP in Grimsby, where John also replaced the cams, followers and lifters, (these three being supplied by peeps on here) the auxiliary tensioner (would factor that part cost in as they have a habit of falling to bits when the retaining bolt is undone) and all fluids replaced for just shy of £800. My advice would be ring around a lot of dealers and then ask if a local garage would price match somewhere up North as you will just trailer it up otherwise. Threats can be productive. EDIT: Just found Nidd Vale quote = £599 (Inc. VAT)

Edited by Mangham54, 09 September 2010 - 06:06 PM.

[Steve B]

With the cheaper quotes do check they are replacing all the bits they should not only doing the one chain. The two chains and tensioners etc come to close to £300 from vauxhall. That for example leaves the BOT quote for example only £100 labour - people do agree it isn't just a two hour job.

[Mangham54]

With the cheaper quotes do check they are replacing all the bits they should not only doing the one chain. The two chains and tensioners etc come to close to £300 from vauxhall. That for example leaves the BOT quote for example only £100 labour - people do agree it isn't just a two hour job.

And remember that if you were to replace the balancer chain later, you would have to pay for the timing chain to be removed to get to it anyway.... It is a big hit, but taking it in one go, hopefully then you should be good for another 60k miles at least.

[JimmyJamJerusalem]

I think it's time Joe did one of these!! He's been well trained and would charge a fair bit less than £800!!!! Make it worth his while and he might help?

[slindborg]

You want a new bottom pulley bolt too. Still working out what/when I could make an offer of services in exchange for renumeration

[Dirt VX]

Hi all - i had mine chain and tensioner changed from a guy in Woverhampton, he charged £450 and including oil, filter, plugs change. You can get hold of him at www.z22se.co.uk and his user name is Benny. He is the expert on the NA engine (on that site anyway).

[Al3x]

Thanks for everyones comments and help, Vocky has stepped in to the breach to offer his services, so this time next week we should be in the garage getting our hands rather grubby. Fingers crossed the NA will be running sweet once more! Such a terrible stress when your pride and joy is poorly.

[Anarchy]

I was quoted about £600/700from Nidd Vale Harrogate, ended up at RASP in Grimsby, where John also replaced the cams, followers and lifters, (these three being supplied by peeps on here) the auxiliary tensioner (would factor that part cost in as they have a habit of falling to bits when the retaining bolt is undone) and all fluids replaced for just shy of £800.

My advice would be ring around a lot of dealers and then ask if a local garage would price match somewhere up North as you will just trailer it up otherwise. Threats can be productive.

EDIT: Just found Nidd Vale quote = £599 (Inc. VAT)

Why did you change cams, followers and lifters?