the tick is pretty constant... it fades in and out sometimes, but never goes away... it doesnt go away at high rpms like you say the belt noise would... but it is pretty constant which is unlike the valve tick... so i guess time will tell with the m1 and maybe a timimg belt change wouldnt hurt... btw, can i replace the tensioner by itself or do i have to do the belt too? or is it just better to do it all? thanks, chris