Just placed an order with this outfit. Apparently they've been around since August 2011 only, but the price difference between them and the dealer was about $50 for the part I needed (engine mounts) so I basically saved $100 compared to the dealer. No phone number or anything, but I did do a 'live chat' with their representative to verify stock. Quite helpful that was, actually. Should be a good alternative to the dealer for the OE parts that can't be found elsewhere.

 

How much did the shipping run you and where in Canada is this outfit? I need to replace my timing chain tensioner soon here, they have it listed at $190 which is about 50 bucks cheaper than dealer as well.

 

FedEx tracking says it shipped out of the Centre of the Universe, predictably (Toronto).

I wanted the engine mounts here by the weekend so I could work on the car, so I had them overnighted (which ran about $35). Standard shipping was more like $20ish, but I think they offered three different rates too. Oh, and "overnighted" actually meant that I ordered it on Monday and it shipped Tuesday, getting here Wednesday.

On another note, if you are getting a new timing chain tensioner, look into one of the upgraded / modified units. I think username billman250 has them, but there might be other sponsors. These have some mods done on them to make them more durable.

 

So with the shipping costs it looks like I will only be saving around $30 or so, but whatever still worth it! At least they're in Canada so we won't get dinged with customs fees; I've noticed lately when ordering auto parts from the states the duty on them seems to be higher than usual. Anyways, let me know when your parts arrive if everything went smoothly with this company as I haven't seen any feedback from them yet.

And as for the timing chain tensioner, I will contact Billman about the updated version. I did read about these upgraded units while I was researching the topic, but wasn't sure if they were more expensive or even necessary for that matter. Seeings how I got just over 175k out of my factory unit, I have some faith in the OEM Honda part! How has the TCT held up in your car Vince?

 

Yeah, any savings is worth it. Parts in the US are typically 50% cheaper, give or take, but by the time you factor in shipping, taxes and brokerage, that advantage is evaporated. A Canadian source for OE parts is great.

The FedEx tracking says the item is on the truck out for delivery by the end of the day. I'm quite pleased so far, they sent a confirmation email when I placed the order, and of course another when it shipped. The only downer I can see is that I doubt there is a brick and mortar storefront, it's just virtual, with no phone number or anything. But the live chat support was fine, answered all my questions, and the emails with tracking info good too.

I did the TCT mods mentioned in one of Billman's threads, disassembly, glasspeening and reassembly on a lower mileage TCT I had off an F22C I picked up for cheap a few years back. That replaced a roughly 150,000km unit on mine, which wasn't making any noises or anything. I just did it for preventative maintenance.

 

Googled and found this joint in SoCal with modified TCTs:

http://www.balladesports.com/

 

My engine mounts just got here to the office, as promised, on time! They came in a box labelled 'Parts Division - Honda Canada', so Canadianhondaparts.com must have an in directly with Honda Canada to buy at dealer or cheaper pricing. Perfect, exactly what we need!

 

Thanks for the updates Vince, seems like they are a legit operation. I'm going to inquire as to whether they have any tensioners in stock at the moment.

As for the Ballade Sports website, the only downside I see is like you said with the international shipping/customs fees. Plus, I will have to pay the $70 core charge up front and then there's the inconvenience of having to ship my core back to them in order to get my refund. Do you know off hand if there is a core charge on the Honda OEM tensioners? I suppose I should contact canadianhondaparts.com and find out before placing an order.

If there is any core charge, I'm probably better off just buying local so I don't have to worry about shipping my core anywhere!

 

I really doubt Honda Canada is charging a core on their parts. It's not really something done by OEs. They just want to sell you the part and away you go. Ballade needs the core because they are remanufacturing them to sell to others. They reuse the overall casting and insert their custom parts, as doing their own casting is likely beyond their capabilities.

It's a pity we don't live closer to the border. I preach it all the time - having a US shipping depot kicks butt, I stock up on lots of parts when I head down there.

http://www.pacificmailandparcel.com/

http://www.montanashipping.com/

I think I may order one of Ballade's upgraded units, and take down one of my TCT cores and send it to them when I head down to Seattle and Portland for holiday in the summer.

 

Inline Pro also has the upgraded TCTs:

http://www.inlinepro.com/s1/p-158-in...tensioner.aspx