The Top DSM Community on the Web

For 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, and Galant VR-4 Owners. Log in to remove most ads.

Please Support RTM Racing
Please Support ExtremePSI

2G Thoughts on this timing belt kit?

This site may earn a commission from merchant
affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

A Sharp

Proven Member
158
13
Nov 18, 2013
Platteville, Wisconsin
I realize that the timing belt controversy goes on and on. Some say Gates belts are okay, but others say only go OEM. I've heard that Gates belts can have a couple extra teeth and can wear out prematurely, but I'm not sure if this is always true.

Anyhow, I saw this Gates kit from JNZ tuning and I just want to get some thoughts on it: http://www.jnztuning.com/product_info.php?products_id=3375 . At about $180, it's really cheap, considering that it includes everything for a complete timing belt job.

I got my '95 talon about a year ago, and have put a few thousand miles on it (it's now at about 95,000 miles). It just makes me nervous driving it around without knowing if a belt is going to snap, especially since the guy I bought it from didn't know when/if it was replaced!

Thanks
 
I always use the gates racing belts on my car and have no problem putting the regular gates stuff on my other vehicles.

On if your belt has been replaced with 95k on the clock I doubt it but possibly yes. Take the upper timing cover off and look to see what it looks like.
 
Thanks for the responses! Now I just gotta find a time to do it, which will be hard since it's my only vehicle LOL. Ahhh college life...

Anyhow, if I pulled the timing cover as 2slow4now suggested, I assume cracking or worn edges on the belt are signs of imminent failure?
 
Yes!! Also, there may be slight cracks or splits. All of these are signs to get a new one, now. If it looks ok and doesn't show much wear, you may be ok for a little while. I'd still change it out, though.
 
I would definitely still change it. Just for the simple fact that the previous owner "doesn't know" when it was changed last, pretty much tells you that it wasn't changed through out the time they owned it. For piece of mind it's worth it.
 
depending on your power output both are good belts wouldn't use oem after 300hp but this might not be the rating for oem but I know mine failed at 305 and it was only 2 months old. could of been just a defective one but it was costly so I went to gates for insurance
 
I've ran a cheapo $25 gates timing belt on my last two setups, great quality and never had an issue.

You can get the same kit that you linked to above for $40-$45 less if you order the parts individually from www.rockauto.com

Gates timing component kit, Part # TCDK167A, $65.79
Gates auto tensioner, Part # T43203, $48.89
Gates water pump with gasket and o-ring, Part # 42166, $27.89

Grand total = $142.57 + $10.18 shipping, so $152.75 to your door.
 
Gates is the way to go, I've used hundreds of them and the quality is second to none!
 
I've ran a cheapo $25 gates timing belt on my last two setups, great quality and never had an issue.
Gates belts are OEM on many vehicles, including Hyundai/Kia.

I've had good luck with Contitech belt kits as well for the money:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Timi...2-fits-95-99-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-/141428419543

From there you can complete the rest of the setup as you desire- water pump can be OEM or whatever you prefer; the last few GMB pumps I've bought have been made in Japan and mimic OEM quality at a fraction of the price.

You have to consider that Mitsubishi doesn't build every single part to put our cars together- someone's building their water pumps, pulleys, etc. ;)
 
Another vote for Gates belt. I change each new season for my rally car. Idler bearings replaced as well. Have not had any dramas, even with the tensioner. Balance shaft removed.
Cheers
Ross
 
Support Vendors who Support the DSM Community
Boosted Fabrication ECM Tuning ExtremePSI Fuel Injector Clinic Innovation Products Jacks Transmissions JNZ Tuning Kiggly Racing Morrison Fabrications MyMitsubishiStore.com RixRacing RockAuto RTM Racing STM Tuned

Latest posts

Build Thread Updates

Vendor Updates

Latest Classifieds

Back
Top