Ok so since tax time i have a few dollars a decided to do a few things to the tp that i hve been putting off. Plus i wanted a few new toys(tools).
So tommorow i'm going to buy myself a engine crane and welder:thumbsup: (been wanting them for a while now)
I plan to take out the astron and auto with the new crane then id like to put a timing kit/balance shaft elim kit/gasket/stem seal set and then do a general clean up like painting the box and block black and if i feel like it maybe the rest of the bay in black too.

So what id like to know is has anyone used the timing/balcnce kits off ringwood auto parts on ebay.If so do u have any issues like quality of parts etc etc
Also can anyone recomend a good mig welder for rust in thin car panels? I want it to be wire fed and gas plus be sensitive (sp?) enough to do thin panels but also do heavyer stuff. for example id like to finish off welding a frame i started for an off road buggy , but seeing as i made it out of scap metal there all different gauges of thickness.
keep in mind ive only used a cig welder up till now.
So the easyer to use the better. But i don't mind spending a bit for a good one.
So let me pick your brains and tell me what you'd recommend.

Yes the kits from Ringwood Autoparts are fine to use

you need a gasless mig welder to do weld panels ..pm me on how this is done and why

removed 4 cyls / V6 engine and autos easy with a engine crane ..

and the ringwood timing chain kits are ok but you need to drill out the chain guide to fit the upgraded special bolt A and the washer now supplied must be fitted

on two kits we have use we had one faulty bolt A and the tensioners of 2 TR kits faulty

you need a gasless mig welder to do weld panels ..pm me on how this is done and why

far easier to drop the box of and then lift motor on its own with a crane

pm and I will explain just did the same job on a TN this week with a engine crane ..

and the ringwood timing chain kits are ok but you need to drill out the chain guide to fit the upgraded special bolt A and the washer now supplied must be fitted

on two kits we have use we had one faulty bolt A and the tensioners of 2 TR kits faulty


In what way were the 2 TR tensioner kits faulty that you found???
Did they change to the ratchet with TR or the TS???:confused: :)

you need a gasless mig welder to do weld panels ..pm me on how this is done and why

far easier to drop the box of and then lift motor on its own with a crane

pm and I will explain just did the same job on a TN this week with a engine crane ..

and the ringwood timing chain kits are ok but you need to drill out the chain guide to fit the upgraded special bolt A and the washer now supplied must be fitted

Most kits seem to have that problem, easy fixed though
Ive installed 4 ringwood kits so far ,no probs at all.

on two kits we have use we had one faulty bolt A and the tensioners of 2 TR kits faulty

what tensioner trubs did ya have Ray?



Get a gasless mig at practice on spare metal, the gas types are better but the gas and bottles are pricey.

Shop around for the crane and mig to get an idea of price as the ebay ones can end up expensive with freight.

saw an engine crane for sale at repco for $250 approx last month

I still recommend ebay kits for price

minor problems
the tensioner lever arm was broken in one kit
tension rachet teeth burred in another
the special bolt A stripped in the block /I was lucky to get it out

had to drill out the hole for special bolt A in every kit I fitted
and it isnt a metric size it is an off size AF drill needed

we've got engine cranes for sale atm, $300 i tihnk