R50/53 Timing Chain Kit and Rod Bearing Preferences?
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1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 40
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From: California
Timing Chain Kit and Rod Bearing Preferences?
So I finally have the financial resources to finish working on that $500 R53 with the blown head gasket that I bought at the beginning of the year. I just need to buy a timing kit and I wanna change the rod bearings as well before I can reassemble the engine and see how it runs. I'm having a hard time finding any info on quality timing chain kits. I found an Iwis brand Made-In-Germany kit on FCP for $170 USD and then there's the typical $50-$100 kits on Rock Auto. I don't need a performance kit per se, I just want a decent quality one where the timing guides won't disintegrate in a short time haha.
For rod bearings, I read that King are good yeah?
I'm looking forward to getting this yard ornament fixed and on the road lol! Can't wait to drive it.
For rod bearings, I read that King are good yeah?
I'm looking forward to getting this yard ornament fixed and on the road lol! Can't wait to drive it.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 328
Likes: 152
engine tech at rock auto is a decent low cost brand. if you're working on a $500 car, i'm guessing you're into lower cost options. they don't actually manufacture anything. they re-box parts from other manufacturers. fwiw, i used their timing kit over last winter and it's been fine so far. and, honestly, it's not like OEM lasts a long time anyway.
i've got some pictures here,
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-mini-builds/366694-phone_cover-s-2006-checkmate-thread-2.html#post4688977
i've got some pictures here,
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-mini-builds/366694-phone_cover-s-2006-checkmate-thread-2.html#post4688977
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 40
Likes: 19
From: California
engine tech at rock auto is a decent low cost brand. if you're working on a $500 car, i'm guessing you're into lower cost options. they don't actually manufacture anything. they re-box parts from other manufacturers. fwiw, i used their timing kit over last winter and it's been fine so far. and, honestly, it's not like OEM lasts a long time anyway.
i've got some pictures here,
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-mini-builds/366694-phone_cover-s-2006-checkmate-thread-2.html#post4688977
i've got some pictures here,
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-mini-builds/366694-phone_cover-s-2006-checkmate-thread-2.html#post4688977
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 328
Likes: 152
from https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime-guarantee
Replacement orders must be made for the same item purchased on the original order.
*edit - ECS was down when i wrote this. it's back up now. ECS says they'll try to get you a comparable item or refund you in the form of ECS rewards points, at their discretion.*
FCP has a timing kit for $200 from febi bilstein. febi comes with a manufacturer warranty of 3 years, by the way. let's say you get the same life out of either part - the febi lifetime replacement and the enginetech 1 yr warranty. where's the benefit of the lifetime replacement?
Last edited by phone_cover; Sep 27, 2025 at 05:55 AM.
Neutral
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
that's a decent enough theory, but in practice it's not quite as appealing. ecs and fcp, for example, don't call it a warranty. they call it "lifetime replacement". you don't pay once. you buy it initially, yes. but to warranty something, you buy it again at current prices, send back the old one, and get a refund for your original purchase. so you are buying twice. once at the original price and once for whatever the difference in price on the new one. also, if they don't carry that exact product anymore, i'm pretty sure you're out of luck. i don't see any accommodations for discontinued and replacement items.
from https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime-guarantee
Replacement orders must be made for the same item purchased on the original order.
*edit - ECS was down when i wrote this. it's back up now. ECS says they'll try to get you a comparable item or refund you in the form of ECS rewards points, at their discretion.*
FCP has a timing kit for $200 from febi bilstein. febi comes with a manufacturer warranty of 3 years, by the way. let's say you get the same life out of either part - the febi lifetime replacement and the enginetech 1 yr warranty. where's the benefit of the lifetime replacement?
For research I like to use comparison pages. When I play I use bet365 alternativ link where you can see offers from different companies in one place. And yes, King connecting rod bearings have an impeccable reputation for durability when repaired. Post an update when everything works!
from https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime-guarantee
Replacement orders must be made for the same item purchased on the original order.
*edit - ECS was down when i wrote this. it's back up now. ECS says they'll try to get you a comparable item or refund you in the form of ECS rewards points, at their discretion.*
FCP has a timing kit for $200 from febi bilstein. febi comes with a manufacturer warranty of 3 years, by the way. let's say you get the same life out of either part - the febi lifetime replacement and the enginetech 1 yr warranty. where's the benefit of the lifetime replacement?
For research I like to use comparison pages. When I play I use bet365 alternativ link where you can see offers from different companies in one place. And yes, King connecting rod bearings have an impeccable reputation for durability when repaired. Post an update when everything works!
Last edited by Drift88; Feb 25, 2026 at 11:53 PM.
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