Chuckinnj

Hello, I am going to do a complete timing belt replacement (seals, water pump, etc.) and I am curious where is the best place to buy the complete kit. I see Rocky sells the Aisin kit but some OEM kits are available on Flea Bay....... Where did you buy your complete kit?
I am a Dodge Charger guy who inherited this 97 ES300 with 225k miles fair condition so I want to fix it up as my winter beater so I want to keep the project on a low "affordable" budget. The AC compressor is shot and I don't want to spend the money on that....... Yet.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

hypervish

I've found eBay to be the best source for timing belt kits. I usually buy from metero1969, he sells OEM parts.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Buy the Aisin kit with a water pump from RockAuto. Look for a 5% discount on Google, they always have a new code.

I believe the only other thing you'll need is two camshaft seals and an oil pump seal - they are notorious for leaking. I would get those from Sewell Lexus or any other Lexus/Toyota parts dealer. They make the best seals.

Other than that, I'm not sure if a new hydraulic tensioner is part of the kit. Welcome to the Club!

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

^you can get a kit with or without the Hydraulic tensioner. There's two versions.

And Rockauto is cheaper than the ebay sellers, even if you combine all the belts & extras they sell you as part of the kit, on rockauto.

That's where I get all my stuff, less some gaskets & fluids - those are dealer only for me, all else aftermarket !

weetodd300

hey all, i also like to use rockauto for parts and as a resource to compare prices for parts from other vendors.

<>why is the AISIN kit recommended above vs. any of the other kits rockauto has?<>
i am just curious, because I intend to order a kit and was considering the gates kit for $50 cheaper (both kits w/ hydraulic tensioner), aisin is better?

weetodd300

timing seal kit to add to timing belt kit purchase from rockauto~~Dayco part#SK0008 $9.83
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...parttype,11949

timing belt and water pump kit from Sewell~~$431.64
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...1998/3423.html

heads up, this kit includes a new thermostat as well, so seems a new thermostat is recommended when doing timing belt service

PuReChaos

Sewell is 350.37 for the timing belt and water pump kit. Register your club lexus account with the sewell account and you'll get a better discount.

speedkar9

The reason why Aisin is recommended is because it is OEM for our vehicles.

DON'T get the Gates kit. I got that for my ES330. The pump casting quality wasn't as good as the Aisin, I just I hope it lasts. The included construction-paper gasket is a joke, I spent $14 to get an OEM one at the dealer that I should have gotten with the Aisin pump.

A thermostat is only recommended because your coolant would have been drained for the waterpump job anyways. The thermostat is actually on the other side of the engine near the air-box housing.