[V8] timing belt tensioner...

[Seamus O'Carey]

For a while I've been looking at the tensioner for the timing belt on the V8
and thought it looked pretty similar to the serpentine belt on my Corrado.
Then I just came across this auction on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching&item=250389068498&viewitem=

It seems I might not have been too far off.  Anyone know the part # for the
V8 tensioner?  I can check it against the G60 tensioner that I have here.  I
wouldn't buy the one from the auction, since I don't know what the mileage
is on it, but it did get me to thinking about something else: There is a
company called Bahn Brenner who makes an aluminum part for the G60
tensioner:
http://www.bahnbrenner.com/vw_audi/products/471/BBM_Billet_Tensioner_Cap

It basically makes the tensioner adjustable for the exact tension load,
while at the same time eliminating the upper rubber bushing.  It's the
latter characteristic that really seems like a possible advantage to me.
The rubber bushings are certainly a source of possible failure for this
part.  Since I'm parting the Corrado I already have the tensioner cap from
Bahn Brenner, what do you guys think about using it when I do the timing
belt on the V8?

Also, if the tensioners are the same, it looks like this might be a fairly
inexpensive source for them:
http://www.germanautoparts.com/Volkswagen/Corrado/Engine/3/1