OEM overrated?

[bcjjones]

Going to change the timing belt and components. I've been reading a lot in general about these cars and one thing I come across a lot is oem oem oem when pertaining to timing belts. Especially when pertaining to tensioners. One thing I did notice is the very large majority if not all the things ive read are "hear say". Just posts from people who heard from someone else who also hears from someone else that only oem will last. No actual examples from people who have personally had something fail on them. Also most of which seems have originated from years and years back.

Im in no way trying to be cheap on something as important as a timing belt, so please dont start in on that. I merely just want actual proof of failure from non oem tensioners and timing belts.

I have always used Gates belts without them ever failing, and I have read from dsmers that the Gates Kevlar belt is good but the tensioners are, again, only going to last if there oem. The Gates timing belt kit is only 129 bucks with the belt and tensioners. If anyone has experience with non oem timing belt and components failing pre maturly please let me know. Just starting to wonder if oem is overrated?

 

[DSM1G90]

Little secret: Contitech makes OEM belts for Mitsu since Contitech is the OEM for all European OHC motors.

Gates are good as well since they know belts and have been making them for a good many years.

As for the autotensioner: OEM on that one from Mitsu.

 

[autodsm]

What everyone fails to mention or acknowledge is that 90% of the "OEM" parts arent made by Mitsubishi. This goes for all manufacturers, not just Mitsubishi. They outsource parts to "OEM specified" parts manufacturers. Why do you think if you take your car to a dealer to have the timing belt replaced and they dont have an "OEM" belt, they are allowed to use a Gates belt? Check the numbers on a Gates belt against a "Mitsubishi" belt.

Same goes for tensioners...what about the ISC motor? Definitely not manufactured BY Mitsubishi, but rather FOR Mitsubishi...by who? Standard Motor Products or Airtex. Also Beck Arnley produces A LOT of parts for Mitsubishi and other makes...when you buy Beck Arnley, sometimes it even comes in OEM packaging. Read the labels, it will say "made in Japan", etc.

So I guess you can answer your own question as to whether "OEM" is overrated or not. A cheap Chinese knockoff may not be the same as a product made by the designated manufacturer for Mitsubishi....then again, SOME parts may be OK to use...like maybe a water pump or something. I wouldnt use a hydraulic tensioner that was a knockoff. You can get the real tensioner that PCI repackages for a hell of a lot cheaper than a dealer or vendor....just have to know where to look and what to look for.

 

[4g63tc]

Gates also an OEM supplier for the Mitsu Timing belt, the Greddy Blue, and the HKS Kevlar

I use a gates Blue, with OEM tensioner

 

[DSM1G90]

Beck Arnley is great stuff !

 

[danielkile]

get a gates belt, they are the bomb!

 

[mitsubishikid]

if I am not using oem, I will only use beck/arnley they make a good timing belt, and so far I have had no issues with any of their products.