2 Hour timing belt change, yes it's possible
 

With a few caveats. Here are my tips.

1. You must have the counterbalance shaft delete kit.

2. Remove the engine mount and the bolt for the tranny mount. This will allow you to jack the engine up and down to gain access easily.

3. Air compressor - yeah, this will make removing and installing the crank bolt easier.

4. start at crank pulley and install belt ccw up to the exhaust cam. Use wrench and zip ties to hold cam at timing mark. Clamp belt down and do the intake side.

5. Get all the slack in between crank pulley and intake cam.

6. Use a long screwdriver or pry bar with a large head and wedge between the water pump and tension balancer pulley to adjust the tension. If they crank moves, readjust the crank so it's one tooth off. That way when you tighten it down it will be in the correct position.

It can be done.

I'd be out of a job if I couldn't do it in under 2 hours. but pat on the back for you my friend {thumbup}

+1

hmmm.... so what's going rate for T belt change at a shop these days?

my VIII has 151k miles and needs some new belts...

box of beers and a good yarn ?

Wow super rates in Kiwi land! Sold!

45-60mins if youve done a few and have proper tools, ie. not a screwdriver to adjust the pre tensioner

-Adam

This.

I watched as KevinD did mine in less than 45 minutes. It was sick, especially after I've done it myself before and it took 3 hours. :crap:

-Acree

yea i think we can do this in 30-45 mins tops now its kinda sad lol

the only reason you would need to break the crank sprocket bolt loose is if you had a balance shaft belt.. even then you dont have to break that loose. you can unbolt the crank angle sensor and squeeze the balance shaft belt over the trigger plate without having to touch that big sprocket bolt :) just like on a 2g dsm.

i dont know if i can do it in 2hrs, but i can get the tension almost perfect in 2 trys now. im guessing i could do it quick also.. but just unbolting the lower timing cover alone takes time because its very delicate and can crack easy.