I'm just looking for opinions on this as the head is going back on next week probably so I want to decide what I'm doing.

The timing belt had gone on my coupe when I bought it so obviously I'm of the opinion now that the less stuff there is spinning in there the less there is to go wrong. My only worry would be putting the engine out of balance, has anybody actually noticed any uncomfortable vibrations because of this and is anybody with it done using their car as a daily driver?

Also in all the previous threads on this its been 16v turbos, will a 16v na be any different?

I plan on changing the belt(s) every 30-40k anyway to be on the safe side so am I just being too paranoid about the second belt in that case?

Thanks,
JK.

The balance shafts were an addition to the engine. The engine (series) did not originally have balance shafts so there is no problem with removing them. The balance shafts do give it a more smoother sophisticated feel but they will sap some power up.

Removed mine 4.000 km ago, runs fine

Yep that's the idea. but, imho, even 'sophisticated feel' is debatable. I removed the belt from mine but haven't locked them so the front one spins to it's heart's content. I can't say it makes a blind bit of difference to the feel.

If you want to physically remove the shafts: according to Guy Croft's forum you have to blank the oil channels to the shafts or it screws up the oil pressure.

BTW:
This question seems to be asked alot. If it's not already, maybe it could do with going into the FAQ.