You're taking a big gamble with those kits, mainly because you have no idea of the quality of the tensioner or pullys.

http://www.extremepsi.com/store/product.php?productid=22306

I would use OEM components when replacing timing pulleys, belts and tensioner because they are known good products.

Even with Gates? They are reliable company.

Hello there, I see you are in South Florida as well! I am also due for a timing belt replacement and related components, and I've been doing some research. From what i've been reading OEM is the way to go on tensioner, pulleys, and water pumps. As far as the actual timing belt, people say that Gates belts are one of the few other replacements they'd go with if not going with oem. So its up to you in the end. I personally think i'll be going with oem for the belt as well, just for peace of mind. What has me undecided still is if should do the balance shaft delete or just replace the belt. I mean ideally i'd like to delete it with a bse kit to have one less thing to worry about in the future, but i've read everywhere that it truly is a pita to do with the engine in the car :/... Have you given this any thought?

My DSM guru said its better to take it out but it requires engine to be pulled out and I'll wait until something goes major wrong so I will HAVE to do it (hopefully not caused by not taking this thing out )

I bought Gates kit (Timing & Balance Shaft Belts - Tensioner Pulleys - Idler) from 1a Auto for $90 and I bought Gates water pump $38.24 and ITM Timing Belt Adjuster $50.89 on EBAY. The Gates kit is not Racing (blue) Belt but I figured it's a good company and its as good as oem part.

Hope this helps you and if you want any links for the parts pm me and I'll be glad to send it to you

Here's the best budget kit In my opinion. http://www.jnztuning.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_31_138&products_id=3375

Thats about the same as what i got (ITM insead of Gates Adjuster) but i had to Chase down diferent suppliers. That kit does look ok for the low budget. I wish i had seen it 5 hrs ago :-(

The Gates kit would be fine to use. The only change I would make, would be to get an OEM hydraulic tensioner. This is one part, I would not skimp on.

Now, is there "rule" on when you are supposed to use stronger belts like Gates Racing or Graddy

No. Most get them to compliment their engine bay or when the buy a clear cam cover.

Make sure it's under warranty

I have used gates belts before and they have lasted very well. The pully bearinga i only use mitsubishi as they are koyo bearings and they are one of the best around. I have known people to use gates timing kits and without fail so i do say if your on a budget then use them. I would use gates on my daily and i do infact use a similer product called blueprint on my daily car now as they are as good as gates. On my DSM though its always mitsubishi parts or better.

I say get the gates and you will be fine for abother 60k+ miles

I've ran many, many gates belts and pulleys without issues. I've also ran a few tensioner's as well, but always felt uncomfortable doing so. That is where you will see 90% of your failures at is from the actual tensioners. The Mitsu tensioners aren't that expensive and are known to work, and since my motors are no where near stock I tend to value it's life a little more. So I run a Gates belt and pulley's, with the Mitsu tensioner. Gates water pumps seem to work well too. Aisin is the OEM manufacturer for water pumps, so if you want OEM you can get an Aisin from Rockauto for $90-100, although I find this unnecessary. By the time your Gates pump fails you should have already replaced it when doing your 60k mile services.

This is what i ended up buying (before i saw the link with all gates). I hope i didn't make a booboo

http://m.1aauto.com/GATBK00023/i/GA...ion&email1AReference=YmJhc2V2aWNAZ21haWwuY29t

http://m.ebay.com/itm/331514241283?_mwBanner=1

http://m.ebay.com/itm/191307976879?_mwBanner=1

You have a 2g? Double check that gates kit. I don't think it's the right one. 1g and 2g tensioner pulleys are different
I thought the 2g kit part number ended in b

Correction....it looks like the a is the right kit. 1g part number has no a

Yeap, no A Thanks for checking ;-)

I really liked the kit I got from extreme psi. It was all OEM parts and the price wasn't bad either. Plus their customer service is on point.

BOSSke said:

My DSM guru said its better to take it out but it requires engine to be pulled out and I'll wait until something goes major wrong so I will HAVE to do it (hopefully not caused by not taking this thing out

Click to expand...

If youre talking about your timing belt you can swap all the pullies belt and tensioner without removing the motor. VFAQ has a really good timing belt change write up.

I would only use oem parts for a critical job, like a timing belt job.

Please don't pay more than $200 for a timing belt kit. I bought the first kit you listed for around the same price from rock auto and it kicks ass. Tensioners, pulleys and belts are all quality and have stood up. Gates is a very reputable brand so don't think you have to overpay for OEM. As for that second link, it seems like a good deal but wouldn't trust the brand...also depends on if you even need a water pump and whatnot in the first place

Has anyone heard about manual tensioners good or bad things? instead of using oem hydraulic tensioner? I was faced with buy new but my tensioner check to be within spec so i didnt replace it. but was really thinking of it on my rebuild come this fall.

I wouldn't skimp on the tensioner bro and use oem only. That thing Doesn't hold up like it should, say by by to valves!

I waited until I could afford the full OEM kit with the exception of the blue gates timing belt I purchased, I have never felt such peace of mind and tranquility knowing it wont fail early. IMO use OEM ONLY! its been discussed over and over the years for the last 20+ years and the amount of failures due to peoples budget makes them leave the DSMs or hate them because its "always breaking". when its really because the subpar components being used on a boosted engine.