V8 repairs under way...timing belt this time

["Thomas, Nathan" <nthomas@imps0014.us.dg.com>]

Well, it's timing belt service time for the V8.  It's getting close to
100k miles, so I'm having every imaginable component replaced-
timing chains, belt, water pump, serpentine, tensioner, valve cover
gaskets, etc.  I'm paying about $1800 for this, but it is from a
mechanic I feel very comfortable with, which I am willing to pay a
little extra for.  Any thoughts on how that rate compares to what
others have experienced?

What spooked me into doing this now was a loud rattling coming
from the timing chain case on the front of the engine.  It made me
go ahead and decide to get the service done, and when they 
started pulling things apart they discovered that the right hand chain
had stretched and was banging around against the block.  Luckily
it hadn't caused any damage yet, but I'm certainly glad to have it
fixed at this point.

Ah the joys of owning a V8...

nate

1990 V8 Quattro - indigo/platinum 93k miles
1985 4000S Quattro - dark gray/light gray 112k miles