Question : Where to get timing belt actuator

[bbeck]

I am finally getting to replacing my timing belt.. I ordered a new dayco belt, tensioner, and idlers yesterday from rock auto. Now, I'm looking for the actuator. Is the dealer the best place to get this? 24503860 is the part number I've looked for and the cheapest I've seen it is like $80.
Now, besides the actuator, am I lacking anything else for parts to do this job?

[bbeck]

Here are the prices I've put together
Cheapest from different dealers: $112.05
GMpd: 65.78+16.77S+H= $82.55
GMpg: 79.05+12.41S+H= $91.46
GMpe: 75.58+12.41S+H= $87.99

I will add any as I go- just trying to save up some money for spring break.

[SappySE107]

My cost is 71 bucks plus shipping, so GMPD is probably gonna be it for you.

[bbeck]

Thanks for checking. I just figured I'd try to look around and post the info as well for future reference. I actually ordered the part yesterday right after I last edited my previous post. So, hopefully it comes in soon. The rest of the parts will be in by this weekend. I think the actuator will be the hold-up if there is one (realized after I ordered it that it states that it may take like 7-10 days just to ship out!).. But, I want this thing ready for the trip to florida next month.

[SappySE107]

Michigan to Florida is a nice drive. I have been Indiana/Florida a few times now. What part of Florida? We are clear down by Miami.

[bbeck]

I'll be going to panama city beach- doing my first college spring break. Couldn't get the time or didn't have the money while I was in college. Can't wait to be able to drop the top. I flew to Miami about 5 years ago for a cruise, but didn't get the chance to drive around at all.

[bbeck]

Would you recommend doing the 6/6 timing on this car while replacing the belt? It is in front of an automatic. If I remember correctly, you played around with it some? What kind of mileage did you gain or lose after doing it?

[SappySE107]

I would do 6/6 timing on just about everything unless you need to pull to 7k+. 6/6 is a solid 3000-6500 power band. I don't recall much of a difference on MPG, but the DOHC is not really an MPG machine anyway.

[jman093]

I would do 6/6 timing on just about everything unless you need to pull to 7k+. 6/6 is a solid 3000-6500 power band. I don't recall much of a difference on MPG, but the DOHC is not really an MPG machine anyway.

Why doesn't +6/-6 move the powerband up since it's increasing overlap?

[SappySE107]

You are advancing the intake cam 6 degrees, hence the lower powerband. Overlap is reduced, not increased.

[jman093]

My apologies for derailing, but I'm confused. Doesn't advancing the intake mean it would happen sooner? Sooner would move it closer to exhaust closing increasing overlap. That's how I've always understood it. Like this picture:



It would also seem retarding the exhaust would move it closer to intake opening also increasing overlap?