best timing belt for the timing belt job???

[Osmosis]

I have a 2000 A6 2.7t with an APR stage 1 tune. My daily driver with 150 K miles on her, previous owner was meticulous on up keep and had the timing belt done @ 100K miles. I was considering rebuilding the engine, but I am on somewhat of a budget. IF compression test yield consistent results and by looking at the spark plugs for normal wear, I will opt out of a rebuild and just do the following repairs. My car runs amazing, plenty of power, and looks nice. Recently got a P0741 code so here I go.

I'm just gearing up to pull my engine and replace the torque converter. I also will be rebuilding my stock turbos, O2 sensor, Camshaft timing pads, timing belt, thermostat, Bank 2 o2 sensors and water pump, oh yea, front CV shafts will be replaced due to clicking.

I have a few questions;

1) Which timing belt kit is best? I heard that the gates racing belt is much stronger and will last longer. I'm looking at the kit on ECS Tuning that runs for about 359$.

2) Camshaft timing chains that run between camshafts and the tensioner. I'm considering replacing mine since I have 150K on the engine. The genuine Audi chains are a whopping 116$ and there are 3 other brands on ECS Tuning's website between 26$ and 35$. Considering the lower priced if better than what I have in the car already with 150K miles.

I almost forgot, how do you replace the timing chain tensioner pads? I hope to just purchase the pads and replace them. I have not found a thread on this "how to" yet.

3) CV shafts from ECS Tuning. Are they decent CV joints & a good alternative to the expensive OEM CV joints? I'm also wondering how the CV joints on ECS Tuning compare to the Autozone CV joints that go for 69 each with a life time guarantee, but, I know that they are regrinds and they pretty much suck.

4) I assume I will need to get new valve cover gasket kits also, correct?

I"ll be getting my engine stand and hoist back from a friend tomorrow. Tomorrow is the start of this project, beginning with a compression test.

Thanks everyone!

[spacecadet]

Gates belt is theoretically stronger, but still has the same service interval and squeaks. Cam tensioner pads just pop off the tensioners. Grab from an end and push up. Reverse to install just make sure they are fully seated.

[Osmosis]

Thank You for the reply! So can you actually hear the gates belt squeak? If so, I wonder if the knock sensor hears it and reduces power? Just a thought.

[spacecadet]

No they won't

[carmudgeon]

Try Raxles for the CV shafts, I've got a set in my S6. Better quality than you'll get anywhere else and not at a ridiculous price like OE.

[LakeTahoeQuattr]

No they won't

Yes it will squeak I promise. Go with a conti belt

[mr_dave]

I'd only recommend the OEM Conti belt. I've heard about an abnormal number of failures with the Gates Racing belt, including from a well known supplier.

[LakeTahoeQuattr]

I ran a gates belt on my 2.8 for 8 months because I was too lazy to replace it with the conti belt. I had to listen to the squeak for the entire time. To say the least I absolutely hate the gates belts. Now on a TA car, who cares. Race cars are supposed to make race car noises..

[arjun90]

Contitech Pro Kit

[Osmosis]

Thanks for the info everyone! Conti belt kit it will be, along with new camshaft tenssioner pads, valve covers, head gaskets, rings, CV joints, torque converter and a turbo rebuild.....oh yea, two O2 sensors. I"m going to do a leak down test to test my heads, results will lead me one way or another. I also plan to plasti-gauge the mains and rods, hoping I don't have to do them also. I have great oil psi...we will see.