the speed shop down the block is telling me ive got a bad tensioner. hasnt taken it apart yet but theres a ticking/more of a slapping sound in the front of the motor. he says 7 hours of a job, which is understandable but recommends 4 new chains and new tensioners. any1 know if they just sell a 4v timing chain kit. or any idea how much all components will cost seperately. hes talkin maybe ford, but i know that means a whole lot of $$$$$$. thanks

 

don't trip. First off... the chains are almost certainly fine unless they're physically damaged and you'd know if they were. That's one of the reasons Ford chose chains and not belts, durability. The shop needs to identify what's broke before they go ordering parts just to order parts. If it's the tensioner, replace both tensioners. If the guide arms are worn, replace those. The chains are usually good for the life of the engine. Replace only if necessary.

Second, it's not 7 hours worth. It's 4-5 tops and that's if they do it in a driveway with hand tools. Once the front cover is off the little bits come off in a hurry. Putting it back together is nothing. Figure 500 bucks plus parts so about 750 bucks.

You can do the job yourself.. it's not hard. Get a chiltons and go to town.