Timing Belt(s) - Which one do you run?

[DSMINMN]

As I am putting together this build sheet and look to the timing part it has left me curious what belt everyone else runs or prefers. This obviously depends on many different factors. Horsepower being one of the largest.

So I present the question:

Which timing belt do you run?


I know Kevlar belts are a big plus for not stretching such as the OEM belts do. With the exception of the OEM Kevlar backed Evo. IX timing belt 1145A038.

Many people like the Gates racing T167RB1 and/or the "alleged" relabeled Power Enterprise belt. I also hear a lot about the (in my opinion), overpriced Greddy 13534500. I haven't heard many but I do recall some people saying they go for the above mentioned Evo. IX belt as a cheaper alternative to the "expensive" racing timing belts out there.

Anyway, I'm curious to hear what everyone else runs. Thanks for reading!

[turbotalon1g]

I've run OEM and gates part store brand. All seem to be oil resistant and work.

[carltalon]

I've always run OEM. But on my current motor I'm running the gates OEM replacement because of the lower cost and reading great reviews of it on the DSMlink forums.

[b00sted_spyder]

HKS because it's purple and expensive.

[goodhart]

OEM or Gates equivalent

[Kracka]

OEM Mitsu or the black Gates OEM-equivalent; same with the tensioner. No reason to run any of these fancy pretty color belts, plus I've heard of them causing issues b/c they're too stiff.

[curt_gendron]

In the 3/S world a lot of people are running the Gates kevlar belts. Since my 3/Ses do a lot of sitting, I've switched to the kevlar belt on my Spyder. Rubber degrades a lot faster.

later,
Curt

[Goat Blower]

OEM only. My car doesn't get enough miles to worry about a 200k mile belt.

[Shane@DBPerformance]

I run OEM. I have had failures one cars with the blue Gates balance shaft belts multiple times.

[DSMINMN]

I only ask this as I want to save some money but I in no way want to risk the longevity of the engine I am building in school. I'd much rather spend that little bit more and more I'm covered than cheap out just to pay later. This engine is by no means going to be stock nor will the word cheap be used. Haha

I'd also like to ask the experienced about whether they've ran the OEM Kevlar and liked it or not. I ask this as it is seeming like one of the better options to go with for what I want.

Thanks for the responses guys. Feel free to keep them coming as well!

[awd laser]

Gates OEM replacement.

[awd laser]

Also, make sure you have the right oil pan bolts on the timing side... Lol

[Goat Blower]

I don't know of any OEM kevlar belts, I thought those were from HKS?

[turbotalon1g]

evo 9 kevlar reinforced.

[mdost03]

Gates kevlar belt snapped on 311evo's car. Would not recommend that one. I've always used OEM.

[DSMINMN]

Originally Posted by awd laser

Also, make sure you have the right oil pan bolts on the timing side... Lol

Of course. I've seen how bad it can make people's belts look. That and I can only imagine what it'd do if gone unnoticed.

Originally Posted by Goat Blower

I don't know of any OEM kevlar belts, I thought those were from HKS?

Originally Posted by turbotalon1g

evo 9 kevlar reinforced.

Aaron got it. The belt in question is the 1145A038 for the IX.

On sites like STM's they list both the VIII and IX but there is a price difference. So I assume there is a difference? Maybe a balance shaft or extra belt I am unaware of?

HKS is just one of the people that do Kevlar. I believe their's is Kevlar anyway. Haha

Originally Posted by mdost03

Gates kevlar belt snapped on 311evo's car. Would not recommend that one. I've always used OEM.

I'm not sure if I need the cool blue belt anyhow. An OEM IX Kevlar reinforced may just be the ticket.


Thanks again for the responses guys!