RAM56

dyer

Did you use after market timing kit or original Audi parts? I need to do this soon and is wondering where to order my parts? I want the timing job to last, so not wanting to skip on parts..thanks for info in advance.

lyleswk

Same answer as another recent thread: I am not familiar with AudiUSA. I always go with ECSTuning and get genuine Audi parts. Be careful with anything that claims to be OEM. Some are not like Hamburg-Technic which claims to be OEM and I believe ECSTuning has pulled from their catalog. You do get what you pay for.

dyer

So ECS tuning has good parts? I just want to make sure I get the right stuff. I got one quot from ECS tuning where he said go with the gates racing timing belt, it's a little more , but suppose to be better belt, what do you think on that one? should I go with kit with the gates belt ot the kit with the other belt?

lyleswk

I have done 2 of these on 2 different cars. The first one "got killed" before I got a lot of miles on it. My current one has 45K on it with no issues. I don't remember the brand of the belt, but I know I got the most expensive kit with only Audi parts. I went and looked and noticed the kit is almost $500 which at first blush seems high. I think I spent $375 when the next kit down was in the low 200's, but that was a little over 4 years ago, so my memory may be bad. Knowing that I will be replacing in 15 to 20K miles, I will buy the $500 kit and then not worry about it... Again, my philosophy as I have been bitten one too many times by inferior "OEM" parts...

I follow the same philosophy on my 34 year old Turbo Z...

dyer

Thanks for the info, I noticed the genuine Audi water pump has the composite impeller unless Audi up-graded it to the metal impeller. Like you, I want to use parts that are going to last. Right now the main thing I'm wondering is which water pump to get? ECS Tuning genuine Audi water pump is a re-manufactured one, so not wanting a re-manufactured unit. Are you still going to get your timing kit at ECS Tuning? or is there someone you trust more?

lyleswk

I have gotten all my parts from ECS, including some for my 300K mile Mercedes and pair of BMWs (they do not have as much stock for those brands). I have never had an issue with parts failing from them.

As far as the impeller, I don't remember whether it was composite or metal, but whatever VAG have done to the design seems to be durable. My VAG indie that works on the car when I don't have time or don't want to tackle something feels the same. Again, go with your instinct. I am just one voice on a forum

dyer

I appreciate the info, I understand you are just one voice, but it helps when you hear from someone who has purchased from a company. gives a better piece of mind when buying parts.

RAM56

dyer

NP, I went with with Blauparts. even though it wasn't low as what you got yours for, The timing kit was $287 with fluids,seals and water pump with metal impeller made by Graf, it's a complete timing belt kit,I also purchased the thermostat,air filter and complete oil change kit, final price out the door was $400.02 and it was here in 2 days.Blauparts customer service is out standing so far,plus I did a lot of research on them and before I purchased my parts. What I did like was Blauparts installs the same parts on their customers cars that they sell,to me that was a plus, plus so far i've talked to two different salesmen on the phone and really liked the conversation.I also private message a few members here that were very helpful with my research.