No Timing Belt Change yet w/130,000 Miles?!

[dsm_illicious]

Ok I know you should always change the belt on these DSMs @ 60K, but I've had pretty good luck so far and I'm at around 130K with the same belt, tensioners, pump, etc. I check the belt weekly and see no cracks, marks, wears, or anything...I know, I know, you have to bend it to see any marks...Anyway, I'm thinking not to push my luck anymore and just do the swap. I've seen tons of aftermarket belts that claim to be stronger and last longer. Some will say to stay away from these belts because "you'll have to change the water pump anyway." I think thats a bunch of crap cause I've put a crapload of miles on mine and I have no cooling issues and there are no metal shards in my coolant. I don't feel like forkin' out the bread to have somebody change the belt so I'm gonna do it myself. Question is, whos had good luck with what brand belts? and does anybody know of any sites that give some pointers on doing the timing belt change? Any info helps! I know it's a bit more work than the Hondas that I'm used to.

I'll also be throwing in some HKS 264(I)/272(E) cams...thinking of getting Skunk or HKS cam sprockets...any feedback?

 

[m1nd64m3]

Go with an OEM belt and either remove your balance shafts or put a new balance shaft belt on too. Replace the water pump while your in there because if it did go out you would have to go throught the whole timing belt procedure again just to replace it. www.vfaq.com has instructions on how to do it and on how to remove balance shafts.

 

[dsm_illicious]

Oh yeah, I'm definitely gonna change the pump, tensioner, & shaft...thanks for the link.

 

[Module Unknown]

...and does anybody know of any sites that give some pointers on doing the timing belt change?

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/timingbelt-2G.html Was all I needed when i did my timing belt.

The way I see it about those aftermarket belts. Sure, I bet they are stronger. Even still, I don't think i'd let it go past 60k so why pay more? That's just me though. Plus your oem belt has made it how many miles!?!?!?! I think you'll be fine with oem parts again.

 

[Strm Trpr]

I'll also be throwing in some HKS 264(I)/272(E) cams...thinking of getting Skunk or HKS cam sprockets...any feedback?

Good luck smoggin that biotch here in glorious CA with those cams installed...

 

[dsm_illicious]

Very good point...I guess the aftermarket belts can handle more abuse vs. longer life, due to stronger materials.

 

[dsm_illicious]

Good luck smoggin that biotch here in glorious CA with those cams installed...

I figured I could adjust the timing to "near stock" specs...You think otherwise?

 

[dsm_illicious]

Prostreetonline.com offers a complete timing belt package for about $200, they're local so I stopped by and they confirm using the same kit in their super-powerful drop top AWD car...it's not mitsubishi, but they said it's OEM spec. I get scared of that phrase...any comments? Better deals for the genuine DSM parts?

 

[leet]

Good luck smoggin that biotch here in glorious CA with those cams installed...

I've smogged with the HKS Combo. At a dealership, no less.

 

[Spoolin4Ever]

What I have heard is that you should go with the actual mitsubishi parts when it comes to timing components. All the stuff will be about $400.

 

[Strm Trpr]

I've smogged with the HKS Combo. At a dealership, no less.

As Jim Carey would say, "Rrrreeeeaaaalllyyy...."