3.5L Honda V6 - Replacement Timing Belt Kit

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Vehicle: 2004 Saturn Vue V6 FWD, Honda SOHC 3.5L V6.

100K maintenance is essentially the timing belt & pump (I think).
Rock Auto shows a kit, Gates# TCKWP329 for $179:
PowerGrip Premium OE Timing Belt Component Kit W/Water Pump; 5 Components (1 Belt, 2 Tensioners, 1 Idler, 1 Water Pump)
Interference engine application

Is this a decent kit or is there a better brand name kit out there?

What spark plugs are best for this application?

 

[JustinH]

I've had good luck with gates products. I just replaced a serpentine belt and all hoses on a pontiac sunfire with all gates parts.

Be sure to find the 5 percent off discount code for that item, should save you at least the shipping.

For the plugs rock auto stocks a Denso Platnium plug for 2 dollars and change each, I would go with those.

 

[BigBuck]

NGK plugs

 

[Vikas]

Those would be NGK laser irridiums

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Thanks guys. Will order this stuff today. The Vue is at 96K, we'd like to keep this vehicle another few years at least.

 

[The Critic]

You also need to do the ATF and water pump.

Just get the Genuine Honda parts. Aftermarket parts can't be trusted for timing components, even if it is made by the same manufacturer who makes the OE part (since OE and aftermarket lines are usually different).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-2004...=item4aa9072633

You should add a hydraulic tensioner to that kit, which will cost you an extra $80-$100. The other components should be fine.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Thanks Mike. Ordered the parts thru them today. Brian is a top-notch parts guy, a pleasure to do business with.