Intake cam tensioners and trany stuttering
 

Hello all -

2003 a6 quattro V8, 170 K miles. Cam tensioner seems to have gone flat on the driver side. Not the correct number of rollers between the sprockets. Kicking a retarded intake code. Looking to buy new knock-off tensioners from Be$t@uto at a WAY reduced price. Is this a good idea? Do they perform (last) just as well as the ~$700.00 parts that are out there? I also have Shokan offering me the parts but they are used…..from a salvaged motor for about twice the price of the knock-off.

Regarding the stuttering Xmission, could the retarded timing have an effect on how this this thing is shifting? I believe it is a tiptronic xmission, 5 speed. Seems that it gets confused about shifting from third to fourth, rpm's go up and down when it shifts and I'm driving like a normal person (grandma per se`). I haven't tested all the possible conditions with regard to acceleration rates and how the xmission shifts (or even in sport mode) due to the fact that the tensioner(s) need to be repaired. I don't want to take the chance of making motor matters worse.

I appreciate all feedback.
Best regards