OK, so I've convinced myself that I can change the tension belt, water pump, rebuild the tensioner, change the accessory belts / cooling hoses, flush the cooling system, change the oil / rotors / distributor caps , replace the fuel filter, flush the brake fluid, (did I forget something while I have the engine front off? camshaft seals, etc). I've read the factory manuals (yes, bought them when I bought the car brand new), Jim's CD's (yes, paid full price for those, too), John Pirtle's treatise ("only 175 easy steps"?, ...uhhmm maybe I should reconsider this;...who's byline is it "if it's not broke...work on it until it is"), Wally P's rebuttal (man, am I really crazy to do this?), read as many of these posts as I can stand (I think I'm going to have to lie down...I don't think I feel so good), gone to the "Big 3" sites to check my list of parts, etc. (boy, if I don't screw this up with the wrong parts, it will be a miracle), called them as well for advice as to what they suggest that I do for this "preventive" (did I mention something about "screwing it up"?) maintenance ("well that depends on the condition of your(fill in with your part de jour)"...YMMV) ...gee, what was my question now?? Oh, so I get down and dirty with this crusade and I'm ready to button up this puppy. What torque should be used for the various fasteners as I'm coming out?

Seriously though, I've followed this board from the beginning and I express my appreciation for the time and effort that so many of you have put out. It's your devotion to the care of these wundercars and educating the rest of us that encourages me. Thanks for any help and any other WYAIT items. Remember, at Thanksgiving, anybody can carve up the turkey...BUT IT TAKES A SPECIALIST TO PUT IT BACK TOGETHER!

 

Hi,
Sounds to me like you could use some hands on experience. I'll bet you could get that kind of support from shark owners near you.

 

Lonestar,

If you have the manuals & CDs, you have all the torque values in your hands!

 

This looks like an overwhelming job before you do it - especially if we have all convinced you that the world will end if it isn't done perfectly.

It isn't a big deal - if you have the few special tools necessary, and have the manuals and support info. You are better prepared to do this than 82% of the repair shops that will take your money.

My advice at this point:
Take your time.
If it doesn't come off/go on easily, stop! Look at it, think about it, and don't get into a frenzy.
Plan to spend more time cleaning an looking than working.
Use good rubber gloves and good eye protection.
Take digital photos if possible. Lots of them.
Enjoy doing it!

There will be am incredible feeling of pride and accomplishment the first time that you wind it to six grand without worrying abut the timing belt. This is a very robust, durable system if it is properly maintained.

 

I just did this job twice within a week on my pigs (sorry Wally). It does look intimidating before you turn a wrench. But it sounds like you've got everything needed to pull it off... manuals (hard copy and CD), some tools, fresh parts all in a row. A good attitude, patience, and maybe a beer or two and you'll have no troubles. Torques are in the books. Procedure from Pirtle is perfect. Don't forget the _dance_.

Clean everything as well as possible before you put it back together. Take your time. Check your work. Crank/cam/belt timing is critical but straightforward (the cam timing marks may be on the back of the cams, add nail polish opposite front). Replace every part you can afford at the same time.

Tackle this project in phases if possible. Do the belt. Drive it and make sure it's cool. Do the brakes. Drive it. Do the fuel filter (have an extra relay?). Drive it.

After it's all said and done, spend some time at redline as Wally suggests. You can't imagine the tension the first time you venture there after you've had it scattered across your garage floor.
Or the feeling afterward when you've proved to yourself that will stay together.

Virtually anything you run across has been seen before... so don't hesitate to ask. May the BWAAHHH be with you.