Well, my GSR is my first car and I bought it just under 80,000 miles, about a month ago. And if I want to do this car right I'm going to bite the bullet and make timing belt + water pump my first modification. Now, my father has decent car knowledge...major maintaiance etc, but I don't think he is an expert or anything. He knows enough to get by and I honestly probobly don't know enough(always willing to learn). If he wasn't able to help me I know quite a few people that would be more than willing to help me assuming I brought a 12 pack and paid for the parts(obviously). I also know about TDC, matching up the teeth, and everything, but I also know the risks. If I'm a tooth off, that means by by motor...or atleast potentially. I am certaintly not ready to buy a new motor...so....


Should I do it or should I rediculously over pay someone to do it?

 

buy a helms manual for $60 and put it to use

 

So that's a yes? :]

 

Get the book, read, plan what you have to do and need and then make your own decision.

 

yeah get the helms. its a buy you wont regret.

 

What yr. is the GSR? For my 99 105k is the interval for timing belt and water pump. Pop the valve cover and inspect the belt to see if it even needs it.

 

Did they change the timing belt material/construction and water pump on the 99's?

If not, do it at 90k...or you might be sorry...mine went at 94k.

It sounds like your dad has a decent amount of experience. Buy a helms, read this http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/timingbelt/tbelt.php , and see if it's something you think you can do.

 

I've heard too many horror stories to give a shit as to whether it needs it or not. I'm at 81k, it's getting done regardless. I'd rather spare $300 and do my first motor right than spend $2,000 and do my second motor right.

:]

 

Possibly. I found out when I took it to the dealership and at about 75k and asked for the timing belt change water pump special and the guy was like, ok, how many miles are on the car? I said 75k, and he said let me check the interval for that yr. It turned out that 105k was the interval and I was coming in way too early and didn't have to get it done. I talked to Steve about this at one of the meets and he confirmed it too, so I'm convinced 105k is the interval.

 

I see where you are coming from. It is a used car and you want a fresh of a start as you can get.