Saab 9-3 V6 2.8 B284 (= Vectra C VXR Z28NET?) Timing chain replacement

[jules_ht]

Hi All, from the other side of the GM stable.

Most of my experience with Vauxhalls is remapping Saab Trionic 5 + B204 engine conversions on things like Corsas and Astras. But today I am on other business.

I've got recurring (with increasing frequency) P0016 and now also P0018 CELs on my 9-3 2.8 XWD Saab 9-3. This means stretched timing chains, as far as I can tell.

I think this is the same engine as the vectra VXR (and you get the same codes).

I started off hunting through my local (Bristol) Saab specialists (none of whom want anything to do with it), to cam change specialists (supposedly! who all also want nothing to do with it), and then to engine rebuild specialists (who also want nothing to do with it).

So I'm running out of options. I really don't want to tackle the job myself; although I'm a pretty OK home mechanic (and have done chains on B204 engines on the drive), this job looks complex. I've found Nick150's guide on a VXR site, but for some reason cannot see the pics.

Anyway, at this point, I'm hoping for (in the first instance), some info on where VXR owners would go to reliably get a timing chain done on one of these engines (ideally not in Yorkshire, given that I'm in Bristol). I am aware of Courteny (sp) but have not given them a ring yet. Any other suggestions?

Otherwise, any info on whether or not you can still get GM original timing chain kits from anywhere? I do have leads on people who will look at the job if I can get the parts (and if I have to I may tackle it), but I'm not sure about these cheap kits available on eBay etc. Don't want to be doing it again in a hurry.

Cheers guys,

Jules.

[northpole]

autodoc should be able to help you source the right parts that are either oem quality or better... just make sure you pay for the extra service just incase you need to return something or the order was messed up (return without the ectra service seems to be a PITA if you believe the horrorstories found on the internet) I've never had a or ran into a problem with the parts they sold me mainly because a tripple checked the oem part numbers vs the stuff they sell (they do list them on the details of the parts that they list for your car) and if your not entirely sure you can always send them a message with your vincode reg number and asking if the parts you want are the ones you need.

[Jon1796]

Lee Baxter on fb does these well know for it or vxr online has spoons diary written and pictures.

[Daywalker]

Also Nick150 used to do them on here but dont know if he's still a member, If you google search "Nick150" you might find something. Dont know if Thorney Motorsport (was in Milton Keynes) might be able to help

[horaa]

Try this if you want to give it a go at home, it's the same engine as opelhttps://saabwisonline.com/9-3-9440/2010/2-engine/v6-petrol/For parts:https://oeparts24.com/catalogues/opel

[jules_ht]

Lee Baxter on fb does these well know for it or vxr online has spoons diary written and pictures.

You got any more info (e.g. FB groups he frequents)? I searched FB for Lee Baxter and found 5, none obviously with an interest in cars even.

I'd seen Spoon's diary (which led me to know of Nick150, who I also can't track down any contact details for) - but none of the photos show for me and when I try and click them it says "sorry but you are not authorised to view, please contact the administrator" (which I have done, but to no avail; I think my new account on there must be awaiting approval or something, I can't post or reply either).

I was watching a video from Josip Stanic on Youtube last night ("Opel/Vauxhall Z 28 NEL / NET Repair Changing Timing belt Opel Training Video") which was interesting and enlightening.

I don't fancy the job to be honest, even though it looks more time consuming than difficult - a long series of easy jobs really (although each with the potential to go South with a snapped connector, broken stud, or rounded nut). This will be my last resort, I'd rather give someone with the skills and experience (and relevant specialist tools) the job.

[Jon1796]

The Lee Baxter (the hobbit), no special tools just general knowledge you undo a bolt you do a bolt up. https://www.facebook.com/groups/9598...397071033195/?
the hardest part is getting to them it 10min to replace.

[Dog_Book]

Could try MWP

[jules_ht]

The Lee Baxter (the hobbit), no special tools just general knowledge you undo a bolt you do a bolt up. https://www.facebook.com/groups/9598...397071033195/?the hardest part is getting to them it 10min to replace.

Thanks for that, much obliged. You ever need a trionic 5 remap give me a shout.