I just got a '98 Impreza 5 speed with 75K miles. It's due for a timing belt
> change. I've been looking at several online and I'm wondering what is the
> best one to get. I don't want to do this again anytime soon. I've seen
> Gates corded belts @ $35 and Neoprene belts @ $55+. Is neoprene any better
> than the conventional corded variety? Is a gates belt better than a Bando
> or Beck/Arley. Any information on this would be helpful.
>
> Thanks
Hi,
I'd suggest going for Subaru OEM. Many have reported short life with aftermarket belts, including myself. Being stranded on the side of the road out in the middle of nowhere waiting for a tow truck in 108 deg F weather convinced me the $20 or so I'd saved wasn't worth it. That belt (Gates, FWIW) failed at just over 50k miles. OEM belts with the same mileage look brand new.
Naturally, YMMV!
Rick
Warranty, warranty, warranty... if they do it wrong... who pays. Be careful of "will fix original parts only" on a warranty. Not labor or other parts that may get damaged.
Very good instructions. I did an Miti Eclipse. What a pain. No space to work. Also be careful when you put the belt on. Things move. Recheck the timing afer you rotate the engine (by hand) three full rotations of the crank.
Best car ever. Chrysler 3.5. A couple of bolts and a spring loaded tensioner. Off and on in 45 min.
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