How can the V6 and the V8 be telled apart?

Isn't the tensioner pin supplied with the tensioner? 2.5TDI tensioner uses the same locking pin and aftermarket tensioner came in locked position with the pin.

The V8 bracket is shallower. I'll get a pic of both side by side this afternoon.

Yes, but the pin in the kit can be used to take the old one off - compress it with the tensioner arm and stick the pin in then its easier to take apart :)

Ref torque wrenches, I had similar issues and thought Norbar did a 1/4" push through head one that works in both directions, but annoyingly I can't now find one.....

The only one i've come across looking now is intended for use on bikes, so has a suitable low range but specifically mentions it's suitable for left and right hand threads. Not cheap, but with discount codes and shopping around it might be possible to find it cheaper/second hand? £105 was the cheapest I could see on ebay

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/.../rp-prod171586

V6 (bottom) and V8 (top) locking bars:

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1601234257

The V6 bar is deeper to clear the power steering pump, and slightly shorter:

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1601234257

There is an adjustable bar available in the US I believe. Never seen one of those here though. Its easier for me just to have one of each anyway.

Thanks for the comparison between the two. this is the adjustable one that's available but it's for the V6 engines. I'm guessing it won't work with the V8 engines?

No, it'll be too short. Odd to design it just for the V6 actually - if they'd made it 1cm longer it would have worked on V6 and V8 engines.

Could it be slotted out to be 1cm longer to be able to use for the V8 engines? It looks like it there is enough room to make it open larger?

Also is there a difference for the lock bar for the 32v V8 and 40v V8 engines?

The 32V uses a completely different system with locking cups on the back of the camshafts.

Interesting