Are you going to change your name to volvosix? ... ;>)

Sounds like the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship.

If you are going to change the timing belt and pulleys, I recommend that you change the water pump... when you have the t-belt off, you're only a couple bolts away from a pump replacement. I'm assuming here that you are going to do it yourself, and that the money for the parts isn't an issue.

I don't often focus on the money aspect of maintenance and repairs (unless the person doing the posting is asking about porting and polishing, or changing things around with the ECU, exhaust system, or turbocharger) because in most cases, the fact that repairs are needed is self-evident, and I am a believer in such things as 3500 mile oil and filter changes, air filter changes, tire rotations, etc, etc.

In a case like this, however, the financial aspect should be considered. I say that because I think that if you're going to do the timing belt and water pump, now is the time to do a complete cooling system flush and refill. And you should consider changing the serpentine belt and pulleys as well. At that point, if you go ahead and flush the old brake fluid, and do a transmission oil change, and change the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor, you essentially have the car in a "base line" condition... a starting point with all fresh fluids, lubricants, and external components.

Timing belt and pulleys... $125
Drive belt and pulleys...... 95
Tune-up parts.................... 100
Water pump....................... 100

Total.................................... $420 (plus the assorted fluids, filters, etc., and your time)

Your call, but I'd do at least the belts and pulleys. The other stuff you could do over a period of time, just keep in mind that winter is coming.

When I got my wagon, I pretty much did it all at the same time, including a few mild mods to better suit my performance needs. My reasoning was simply that I didn't want to be in a "work in progress" car that was continuously in need of one basic thing or another. And I am thrilled with the results... I spend virtually no time worried about anything... I start it up, and get going.

Of course, there is the other side of the coin... there is a frequent contributor to this board named "breadboy".... I believe he now has over 600,000 Km on his car, and adds oil when the lifters begin to make noise... :) ... he expects to top 1,000,000 in the near future.

How about letting the board know what you decide to do?

Best of luck with your new family member.


Marty
'96 855T