[V8] '92 with a broken timing belt

[William Gutierrez]

I'll let others address the 4.2 option.  As to repairing the 3.6, the costs 
can vary greatly as can the desireability of undertaking repair.  If the 
motor was sound before the break, i.e., not consuming copious amounts of 
oil, I would consider repair, but the thing to check (with a boroscope) is 
whether any scoring of the cylinder walls occurred--if so, I say scrap the 
engine. If the damage is limited to bent valves, you can replace those--just 
make sure your friend does not turn over the head with an instruction to 
"fix it".  Parts on the V8 head are expensive and with 4 valves/cylinder, 
the costs can get out of hand quickly.  IMHO, work should be limited to 
replacing only those parts damaged--I would not get caught up in the "while 
we're in there we might as well replace...." syndrome, unless you intend to 
own and use the car another 12 years.  2 things to check though are the cam 
chains, which are known to stretch over time, particularly with an 
interference event, and you may want to consider upgrading the valve stem 
seals/guides.  I believe 2Bennett has developed an upgrade to mitigate the 
problems related to the sloppy factory tolerances.

Another avenue to consider instead of rebuilding the heads is to look around 
and see if anyone has some spare ones.  I know that I sold fairly new 
rebuilt heads to a local who intended to use them on his car if the need 
arose, but he ended up replacing the engine with an ABH 4.2.   He may have a 
used set or two--others may as well.

Good luck.


Bill Gutierrez
>From: "Jeremy Ward" <jward at mti-interactive.com>
>To: <v8 at audifans.com>
>Subject: [V8] '92 with a broken timing belt
>Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 08:48:27 -0800
>
>Hey fellow listers.  A friend in Denver had an unfortunate New Years Day
>mishap; a broken timing belt.  From those of you that have been in the
>same situation (especially those of you with 4.2l motors) what are his
>options?
>
>We are assuming valve damage occurred, and it will obviously need a
>timing belt job (assuming it is salvageable)...  What costs can be
>expected to rebuild what he already has?
>
>Also, what are the costs of used heads, whole ABH motors, or whole
>motors from the A8 (can't remember the engine code off the top of my
>head).  What kind of labor is involved if he has it done at a shop?
>
>Anyone in Denver that can recommend a reputable shop to him?
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>- Jeremy
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