Quoting akujiki1987:
Thanks for the info. I really have a hunch that these couple of shops ive spoken to are charging more because of the "rarity" of the VR4. Ive heard from others they charge less on regular DSM, which if I am correct is the same exact procedure.
It's the exact same as the 1g DSM. If you're willing to do it yourself, even using all brand new OEM components (which I recommend personally) would be a small fraction of that. If you go under the "Engine" section on
VFAQ there's a whole section for how to do a timing belt in a 1g, with pictures, steps and parts needed.
if you aren't comfortable doing it yourself I'm guessing that it isn't too cheap because shop rate is going to be 85-120/hr (honestly can't remember what book time is for this job).
When you're in there, I'd be replacing:
Timing belt
Tensioner
balance shaft belt (if not deleted)
Water pump