lexdud

I am very curious as to what other SC owners do when you have more than one choice when buying a part retail. There are some things that I will not scrimp on such as good synthetic oil and filter ... but what about other items?

Here's an example: Replacing the serpentine belt. The local store has the belt from three (3) vendors:

Gatorback for $34
Duralast for $25
Valucraft for $20

All belts are Poly-V and are functionally the same. The price difference from low-to-high is only $15 but that represents a 75% jump (with Duralast in the middle) in price. $15 may not seem like a lot but when you may be replacing many items (over time) it adds up.

Which part would you buy and why?

Subjug4tor

iTrader: (1)

Gatorback, only because last time I bought the Valucraft, and after about 4000 miles its started to make those annoying squeaky/chattery noises at any speed. Belt dressing only makes it worse too. I also replaced the idler pulley and tensioner pulley at the same time as the belt.

ishootstuf

iTrader: (1)

When people like me can run cheap oil and get over 200k out of an engine, and a replacement engine is only $500, why bother running synthetic?

89MA70

iTrader: (2)

I don't run synthetic oil either. Castro gtx is what I get with wix oil filter. I got a buddy that work at autozone and one that works at o'reilys so I just have them get me the parts for cheaper. I usually go with the mid grade stuff and sometimes whatever they have in stock if I really need the part. No one really stocks a lot of sc300 stuff around here. I believe I did get a gatorback timing belt cuz that's just what they gave me. Lol

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

ive had a duralast for 7k miles because im a cheapskate and no problems so far my theory is save a nickel here and there so you can spend a nickel where it really matters

ashtray

iTrader: (12)

castrol oil ftw! lol

kpkim01

iTrader: (2)

ummmm...really newbish stupid question but what size oil filter does the SC400 take for mobil? i looked it up and it said m1-102 but i forget if it fit or not, i asked the guy to lok up the size for me once before and it was the wrong size and i guess i needed an m1-104....any help? lol

kpkim01

iTrader: (2)

oops nvm, now that i really think about it this is right, the guy gave me an m1-104 and it was too big lol

Gspec

I'm a mechanic so I'm picky about my parts....I use oem dealer parts whenever I can (can also be bought through Worldpac) but for little stuff, I'll use a parts store.

Belts: Gates belts only @ O'reilys GatorBacks are overrated (I think its just because GoodYearts names attached to them)

Oil: Mobil-1 Full Synthetic or Castro GTX for higher mileage motors

Coolant: Prestone

Brakes: Stock: Bendix Perf: Hawk

Plugs: OEM, Always....+/- heat ranges if needed, but always OEM make/type

Batterys: Interstate.......(lol @ Optima btw)

Oil Filters: Dealer

Gaskets : Felpro or Dealer

Trans Fluid: Parts store Brand/Generic if available and vehicle is stock, Redline fluids otherwise

Oil/Trans Additives: NONE don't believe the hype. (Limited Slip additives excluded)

Water Pumps and Timing components: Dealer

Here a helpful tip: Ultra Grey Silicone is the only kind you'll ever need.......leave the rest on the shelves.

and silicone tip #2: take whatever amount you normally use and use 70% less....you really think your 1/4" beads are needed when the compressed gap is measured in thousandths on an inch? You can count on the excess silicone inside whatever it is your sealing eventually breaking off and possibly costing you more money.

TheKevin

iTrader: (6)

i also have a hook up at Kragen/O'reilly's and i've never had any problems with any of their parts. parts like oil filters, belts, gaskets, etc, i get them from the dealership since there isnt really a price difference.