anyone had this done recently and how much did it cost you? my car is now on 110000 and i'm not convinced it's ever been changed, will i feel any performance gains by having it done, and if it goes/snaps will it tear through the engine like on some other cars? I heard the mazda engine was designed to prevent this from happening.
any info appreciated, cheers

Apparently, if the cam belt snaps, the valves won't have noisy parties with the pistons as happens with some cars. Nontheless, the car will stop running until such time as you fit a new belt, so it's best to replace it. Even if it was done at 54k, as it should have been, it'll still be ready for another by now.

I have done my own on my 1.8. It was a mission - took me about 4 hours to do in my driveway, but it did save me about 80% of the cost of having a garage do it (i.e. the labour costs !). There is also a great feeling of satisfaction in knowing you've done it yourself ...

Got a quote from the garage in the village I live in to replace the timing belt. Anyone wish to hazard a guess at the price???????????

ye, but if you do it yourself, be very careful to mark one tooth on each camwheel with some white paint, and make a mark on the cover right behind.

the dents in the cover on the top is the original markings, and arent that accurate, so this way, you have two refference points for each camwheel

oh, and get yourself a complete cambelt kit, containing cambelt, guidewheels etc.
change the guidewheels, and the belts driving the waterpump and generator while you`re at it.

[quote="Mitch"]Got a quote from the garage in the village I live in to replace the timing belt. Anyone wish to hazard a guess at the price???????????[/quote]

Errrm..... £250

£80 - £100!!!!!! Get in!

Bloody hell, thats worth the petrol from York...... Let us know if it goes okay matey.

[quote="Mitch"]£80 - £100!!!!!! Get in![/quote]

I hate being a dismal Jimmy, but are you sure these guys know what they are letting themselves in for ??? If they haven't done a 323F before, they may not realise the extensive work involved ...

On the other hand, if you can get a written quote out of them before they start .....

I cant see my local dealer been too much more than that including all the belts probably about £150 - they did my V6 with all belts for £220 - shop around for your bargains

The guys that do the work really know their stuff. Done a fair bit of work on my 406 Coupe and also on a fair few high performance cars and it's 2 minutes from the door!

And Smotter you aint being a Dismal Jimmy, more like a realist!

Great - sounds like you're onto a bargain, then ...

i know we live in rip off britain but you can still get good deals if you know the right people and your patient. i got my cambelt changed and a service for £80, i had to buy all the bits and pieces though

I was quoted £200 for a cambelt change that incuded the pulleys and tensioner being changed thought id do the lot when my car reaches 108k its on 101k now got away to go.