I've just done it. The valve clearances and replaced the shims.
It's VERY much something you can do yourself so long as you follow the directions suggested in your Haynes or clymer manual. I might have misinterpreted some process and bent a valve or two. But so long as you read through the instructions beforehand, visualize it and then do it....then fine. 2 hours maximum.
It is very easy to measure the valve clearances, very simple indeed.
Adjusting the shims, a little more involved but if you have a mate, its very simple and can be done within a few hours.
Timing belt = cam chain??
If so, you don't need to 'remove' it, no. You do need to loosen the tension in the chain though by either removing the cam chain tensioner or just get a friend to hold the tensioner right in so there is plenty of slack so you can remove the cam shafts.
I didn't read the instructionjs right and my engine is making a nasty clattering noise.
1st time round
Taking measurements - 2 hours
Replacing shims - 3-4 hours.
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