Bravo HGT Cambelt Conundrum

[Official Radical]

I'm looking at buying a Bravo 155 HGT shortly; the idea of a left-field 90's hot hatch appeals and I've heard only good news about the Bravo's spirited handling. However...
There seems to be varying horror stories over cambelt changes on the five-cylinder engine. Is the story that the engine has to be removed true? I'm a (reasonably) competetent mechanic and have done belt changes in-situ on ther cars. If not, can anybody point to the likely cost and duration of a belt? It'll determine how much I spend/try to knock off the price.

[arguti]

see http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

speak to NJS - not necessary to remove engine

[TimR69]

There are various specialists who deal with Fiat Coupes - same engine/underpinnings - and as far as I know none of them removes the engine.

I know Poweritalia in Romford used to have a pricelist online for getting various work, including the belt changed, done.

If you check their website now it may still be there.

[philh]

remove drivers side engine mount, lock cams with cam locking tools, lower engine to remove belt, raise engine to remover tensioner. repalce tensioner , lower engine down again to get belt on. You have roughly 2" between cam belt and inner wing hence lowering/raising the engine to get at the belt. about £400 by a speacialist.