i need mine replaced, how big of a pain is it to replace? worth me paying to get it done?

 

depending on how knowledgable you are, u probably save about 400 of labor.

 

don't forget the water pump! i know enough about my motor to do it myself, but i really do not want to screw something up because of a stupid mistake i made.

 

yes water pump of course. i just dont know if i would have the time is all.

 

and a new tentioner

 

It depends what year you have. 86-89's are a peice of cake. 90+ requires you to pull the driver's side motor mount.

 

Might as well as have it done, by a qualified mechanic, unless you your your friends have the knowledge to do the job yourself. Also get the water pump replaced as well. I had mine done by my local Honda dealer. It was $532 to do the timing belt and water pump. The obvious downside is it is expensive, the up side is that they will find and point out other things that may need attention to.

 

When you consider how long the new belt lasts, IMHO taking the conservative route is best for those who only beginning to wrench on their own cars. h: I had mine done for about $500. When you break that cost down over the next 90,000 miles, it's pretty minimal.