Noob 944 S2 owner searching for timing belt parts for my car, and I'm finding a multitude of options and wide ranging pricing. Being new at this, I don't know if I need the OEM stuff or not for my car.

some examples:

Assembled belt, rollers and water pump kit for $800, or a complete genuine OEM kit for $1100?

Cam chain tensioners, ranging in price from $400 and $700.

What is the consensus regarding who's products to buy? Genuine Porsche, or otherwise? Which brands are considered good or bad?

Guidance would be appreciated. Thanks

 

let me save you some money...

pelicanparts.com is my #1 choice for parts.
then a smattering of rennbay, paragon products, 944online, and others. but mostly pelican.

some items like belts are best gotten from ZIMS AUTOTECHNIK...

timing belt kit:
http://www.allzim.com/store/cart.php...t_detail&p=559

water pump options are new or remanufactured - i recommend re-man because they are refurbished original pieces, not new reproductions made 25 years later.
reman:
http://www.allzim.com/store/cart.php..._detail&p=1045

new:
http://www.allzim.com/store/cart.php..._detail&p=2655

total for belt kit + zims water pump is $450 max


as far as the cam chain tensioner you dont need to replace the whole tensioner, just the plastic pads that wear out over time...thankfully they are quite affordable!
http://www.paragon-products.com/Cams...9.kit-rail.htm

Genuine Porsche isn't really required for much aside from Motor Mounts or stuff that is hard to find.
I think I have gone Genuine brand (through a dealer or otherwise) maybe 3 or 4 times in the last 10 years, everything else is good enough from the big suppliers mentioned above.

 

Thanks for sharing Spencer. Much appreciated.

 

Solid options. Alzim is great. i have there rebuild water pump and a couple of others parts for years no problem.

 

Pelican parts and 944online are the places I use whenever I need anything. Ian at 944online is phenomenal!

 

If you have the cams out for the timing chain and tensioner work, depending on time, mileage and cooling system condition you might consider doing the head gasket. They can corrode if the cooling system is neglected and/or bad water used in it.

If the chain and cams are staying put, you won't get close enough to the head gasket to make it a target of opportunity.

While you are at it, consider doing the engine mounts and the oil pressure gauge sender, and the power steering lines, and any suspension bushings ruined by dripping PS fluid.

If the car is not in a scary state and can be driven I might suggest checking the timing belt and the belt tension and then driving it a bit to make a list of all the catch-up it needs. Some people are super paranoid about timing belts but I have done a few and feel that the wider 16V belt is pretty reliable if not horribly neglected, poorly installed, etc.

-Joel.

 

I'll also throw in another mention of Rennbay. I have no stake, I'm just a satisfied customer.

Travis sells a "kit" with all the parts, belt, sprockets, seals, gaskets, etc. with everything you need for a timing belt change.

I'll also second the need for only replacing the cam chain tensioner pads, and not the whole unit. They are not cheap for what they are (something like $80 if I remember), but it's a pretty easy install and very good peace of mind.

 

Thank you to all for the many suggestions. Its helps a lot.

My car has 60k miles total, has received only annual oil changes, nothing else, in the past 8 years (10k miles). No history at all between 20k miles to 50k miles when last owner bought it.

So I'm planning on:
- timing/balancer belt & rollers kit
- water pump & coolant flush
- front of engine reseal kit
- cam chain and new pads on the tensioner
- head gasket kit w/valve seals
- oil pump sleeve
- fuel filter
- brake fluid flush
- trans fluid change

It looks like I should be able to get all good-excellent quality parts out of the vendors noted above for about $1000 USD.

How many shop hours should I expect, if I paid a shop to do all the work?

thanks

 

Personally I'd consider the top tensioner pad but not the cam chain and lower pad for another 60K or so. No head gasket. Heck I'd probably skip the WP for this timing belt. They go 100K miles easy.

 

I'm thinking head gasket because the same coolant has been in it for at least 8 years...and it is likely the original, now 25 years old.

I'm under the impression the cam chain should be done now to avoid wearing out the sprockets on the cams. No?

 

Don't bother with the chain at this mileage...

I'm staring at a 210,000 mile 944S head right now with original chain and its tight/not worn out.

 

I like your list but preventative head gasket and valve seals are a bit over the top. I wouldn't go to those lengths unless an issue arises. I am in the middle of doing nearly all of your list currently on my S2. Check out my thread here. Why not do the work yourself?

 

The lower pad typically gets more wear than the top. I would replace them both.

 

I would change it. It's not that expensive to replace the chain. It is VERY expensive if the chain breaks.

You are going to have to take the old chain off to replace the pads. You might as well replace the chain.

 

OEM stuff for engine items is the best option to go with.

Timing Components
Our Parts Catalog
Our DIY Tech Articles

You can always give us a call as well and speak with a specialist if you have any other questions.

-Luccia