OK, I've done some searches and have come up with some good info. I found the following post from JimR, posted in '04, that seems to cover a lot of territory. I'll post it below, but my questions are:

1. I see the required items, and understand the need for them (my car currently has 97K, so I feel like I'm running on borrowed time). The "must do" list is clear, and I will probably order the V belt and tensioning damper, but what about the seals? I have seen no sign of leaks, but since my indy will be in there what's the general advice? Are these parts all that much, or is there a lot of add'l labor?

2. I'm not familiar with some of the tools referenced (that might need to be rented) but is there anything that a regular mechanic shouldn't have on hand, unique to Audi's? Or are these references more for the home mechanic?

3. Where is the best place to order a "kit" and what does it include? I've seen Clair's referenced, but I've not bought anything from them and have noted some mixed reviews on them in regard to other items. Do these part numbers seem accurate? Jim states around $500, but I've seen other threads for around $300. Are the extra seals the reason for the difference?

Not sure what AHA means, but the sticker in my trunk for the engine code states this. The following is for AHA cars, so I guess I'm OK.

Anything else you think I should be aware of?
Tx,
Jeff

Here's JimR's post:

JimR 3/19/04
I've posted this before, but it is now updated with exact ETKA part names and numbers, so I thought it worth posting again as a fresh thread.

Numbers are for a '99 A6q with engine code AHA. No claims of full accuracy, verify everything, past results are no guarantee of future performance, your mileage may vary, all the standard disclaimers.

A6 (C5) 2.8 30V Timing Belt Replacement

Must do items - parts list.

Timing Belt
--------------------------------------
Timing Belt 078 109 119 (unsure of letter suffix)
Timing Belt Relay Roller 078 109 244 H
Timing Belt Tensioning Damper 078 109 479 E
Timing Belt Tensioning Roller 078 109 243 R


Water Pump
--------------------------------------
Water pump 078 121 004 J
Water pump gasket included with above (078 121 043 A)
Thermostat 078 121 113 F
Thermostat round seal N 901 368 02

Other items to consider - parts list

Ribbed Belt
--------------------------------------
Ribbed V-Belt 078 903 137 BC
Belt Tensioning Damper 078 903 133 AB


Seals
--------------------------------------
cam adjuster seals 058 198 217
Four cam oil seals 026 103 085 D (x4)
Valve cover gasket set 078 198 025

front crank oil seal 054 115 147 B
sealing flange gasket 078 115 189 H

I paid about $500 for all of the above.

 

And I bought the kit from ECS Tuning ( ECS Tuning Ulitimate Timing Belt Kit - V6 30v ES#2015) it costs $254.95 and it is pretty much what you need.

I also bought 2 - 1.5 Lts of G12 coolant (since it's going to be drained) and an Engine Mount Snub (Item ES#663).<ul><li><a href="http://www.ecstuning.com">Here is the link...</a></li></ul>

 

I bought everything from Blau parts - TB kit (includes seals, water pump, themostat, coolant), serp. belt kit, and tool rental all for ~$500.

Our AHA motor didn't look like it was leaking either, but it's another story when you get the plastic timing belt covers off. The drivers side cam seal had a noticable leak and healthy sludge buildup on the back side of where the covers mount all down the motor.