A4 (B6) 3.0Q General Help

[Meistah]

Went to Audi today and as everyone says, a timing belt service will cost me about $2000. They do however replace everything and more which is nice, but I forgot to ask what kind of water pump they replace the old one with (someone here mentioned the plastic oem is bad).

Speaking of oem. In terms of replacing parts like air filters, spark plugs, brake pads, and other normal wear items. Which parts should be kept to (or as close) in quality as OEM, if not all? I looked up prices at Audi, Pep Boys, and Napa Auto Parts and not surprisingly Napa offered the cheapest parts (even cheaper if you have a AAA membership), but Im afraid theyre parts arent up to par.

Whats your guys take on this? Thanks.

Where do you live? From what I’ve heard most places in the states if you find a good shop should only charge around $1000. I only paid $900 and labor where I live is very expensive. Dealer is always gonna be the most $$$

As far as oem. Air filter, spark plugs, coils, all should be oem as far as our cars are concerned. Brake pads are an area where you could venture into the aftermarket. I know the popular one for our cars is the ebc redstuff, which will be my next brake pads when mine go. Most maintenance stuff should be kept oem that I can think of.

Other things might include aftermarket control arms, suspension, sway bar.

Oh and the water pump. The reason you replace them is largely due to the stock ones using plastic impellars and failing, whereas you can get metal ones. Its only a bit more money for the metal ones, no brainer there.

[Zingo_310]

Meistah Meistah, you can throw a K&N drop in air filter. Increases flow and is lifetime warranteed. Just sayin

[ajavier87]

Where do you live? From what I’ve heard most places in the states if you find a good shop should only charge around $1000. I only paid $900 and labor where I live is very expensive. Dealer is always gonna be the most $$$

As far as oem. Air filter, spark plugs, coils, all should be oem as far as our cars are concerned. Brake pads are an area where you could venture into the aftermarket. I know the popular one for our cars is the ebc redstuff, which will be my next brake pads when mine go. Most maintenance stuff should be kept oem that I can think of.

Other things might include aftermarket control arms, suspension, sway bar.

Oh and the water pump. The reason you replace them is largely due to the stock ones using plastic impellars and failing, whereas you can get metal ones. Its only a bit more money for the metal ones, no brainer there.

Im in Thousand Oaks, Ca. Ya I didnt have enough time today to hit up some shops I know of, but I would be surprised if a timing belt service isn’t at least $1000…

Good advise regarding sticking with oem parts. And I agree, the water pump with the metal impeller makes sense since the small extra cost is def worth not paying to take off the front end again.

I have an unrelated question. How much is the JHM tune? What parts besides the ecu are reprogrammed or changed out? Do they options for exhaust and stuff? I dont see any of it on their site.

[ajavier87]

Meistah Meistah, you can throw a K&N drop in air filter. Increases flow and is lifetime warranteed. Just sayin

Oh good point Zingo. Thanks for the tip!

[Meistah]

True, K+N is a good aftermarket filter (not sure how much better it actually is) keep in mind an oem filter is like $15, k+n is $50
Regardless, shop around for the timing belt as you can definitely get it for less than that… just make sure its a good shop.

And do zingos air box mod! It’s definitely going to be the “forum boner” around here ;D our first free/cheap performance mod

[ajavier87]

Ya Im def gonna try zingo’s mod this weekend!

[komseh]

ajavier you might consider buying the parts for the TB job in a kit. I just ordered mine in a kit from europaparts. Good price, free shipping.