Aristo722

First off, I'd like to say I am just recovering from a terrible sickness. Main reason why I have not been on CL in a while. I got pneumonia (again) but now that im back on my feet, i'm ready to get back in the garage. Anyway, Ive used Gates belts on all my cars, but when it comes to the timing belts, I usually go OEM. But, I'm doing the timing belt with a Gates timing belt kit that includes all the tensors along with it, I am also changing the water pump since i'm in there and everything else that follows. I've got a good idea and with the help of club lexus and some other friends that have done these before, we are gonna get to it tomorrow. But my main question is, was Gates a good belt to go with? Or do most people stick to the OEM Toyota/Lexus belts when doing these services? I could just be doubting myself. But yeah, input is welcome!

mk2tmr2

iTrader: (1)

They're as good as any other belt. I know a racing shop (not Lexus) that uses them exclusively on their built engines. I had one on my Miata with a built head.

ttaylor993

I changed my TB a little while back. I used OEM at first. I had to go back in due to a VVT-i pulley leak. When taking the new belt off again, I dropped one of the bolts to the accessory tensioner down into the lower TB cover. I couldn't get it out. When lining the timing marks up before pulling the crank pulley off, the screw chewed up the new belt. Anyway, to make a long story short, I replaced it with a Gates belt. Only because I saw where Jeff Tsai uses them.

SaiyanGS3

iTrader: (8)

I have the Gates kit. Been using it for the past 27k miles

repugnante

Mitsuboshi. Nothing else.

Ava92

iTrader: (3)

I just stuck with OEM when I did mine, it's very cheap, the expensive thing is the tensioner (well that and the labour if you pay someone to do it)

Aristo722

The Gates belt was actually only $67, that included the tensioner. Where as my Lexus dealer wanted $120 for the whole kit. I guess Gates was a good choice!

Kstyle55

From what I hear gates is who makes the belts for hks and greddy they just put their name on it and bump up the price to make a profit so I would say that they are good belts

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

Ebay you can get a full water pump and timing belt kit with oe everything for as little as $220 -$300, if you just want certain pieces it's even cheaper,
But I sell gates belts all day at work, everyone seems to like them

GS300OC

Gates is a wold class manufacturer. I wouldn't hesitate to go with Gates or OEM.

Aristo722

Got the job done and its solid. Water pump, timing belt, tensioner, new oil and new coolant. When I was done though, to my luck I found out I'm leaking oil from the valve cover. So on the 4th of July Ill be in the garage for new spark plugs, Valve cover Gasket and some hood struts.