whimbrel

I have a 99 forester with 145k that is overdue for a timing belt kit. I got several quotes from reputable imports mechanics and it looks like my choices are OEM parts for about $1100 or aftermarket for $850. I'm on a budget and would like to save money but should I be hesitant with those aftermarket parts? He does offer a 2 year 24k warranty and I'll likely sell the car around 200k.

Thanks for any advice!

scoobyfever

Personally I like Gates Racing's timing belts. They make a kit that has the timing belt, water pump, tensioner and all the stuff for a complete replacement. I snagged one off eBay for ~200$ just make sure the aftermarket belt is from a reputable company. Product number is TCKWP304 in case you wanna do that.

FXTChops

I had the Gates kit w/water pump installed this past Saturday. I purchased the kit on Amazon for $245 and had it installed at the dealer for $300. I did not go with the race timing belt, but the service manager said the Gates kits are a popular way to go.

If you want OEM, check this thread - Forester Timing Belt Kits - Jackie always has competitive prices so you can at least get an idea on what the parts should run.

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'06 FXT 4EAT / stock

flstffxe

I am a fan of the Gates TCK304 kit from either Rockauto or Amazon, They go back and forth on who has the lowest price. The TCK304 kit comes with OEM tensioner, OEM idlers and a Gates belt for
I usually the go with a water pump picked up locally(OEM Subaru or Aisin) along with OEM Subaru cam, crank, oil pump o-ring, accessory belts, coolant, t-stat.... With some shopping it's not hard to come in under $400.

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His - 08 X Prem 5mt
Hers - 08 X 4EAT
Subaru oil filter comparison

Clinically_Ill

isn't the OEM unit a Gates water pump? (thats just what i read)

Clinically_Ill

also Gates makes the GReddy belts and stuff too apparently

whimbrel

Thread Starter

Hey yall thanks for the help.

I don't think this is a job I'm capable of doing myself. The only thing I've ever changed on my car was the oil and an o2 sensor. I talked to the mechanic who would be doing this work. He said the parts are ContiTech... anyone have experience with this manufacturer?

flstffxe

Take a peak at this thread, http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulle...-parts-128870/ .

Then look at CRP - Electronic Parts Catalog to view a pick of the parts in the kit after selecting: Year, Make, Model, Product(VALVE TRAIN COMPONENTS). To me those pictures appear to show idlers with the green seals. If they are, I would say NO.

ContiTech is a devision/product line of Continental. Even reputable manufactures do have less than desirable parts for some stuff. http://www.contibelts.com/prod_tbeltkits.asp

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His - 08 X Prem 5mt
Hers - 08 X 4EAT
Subaru oil filter comparison