Gates Timing belt kit and aftermarket parts thoughts and opinions?

[Albius]

Hi there guys!

Last time my car got changed timing kit was 4 years ago. About 65000 kms had gone by since 2014 and in that occasion I bought a Mopar kit that one of my friends did not need. The reason to get it changed again is because I have a intermittent hissing belt/tensioner noise when the engine is cold, once it warms the sound gone. I can upload a video of this if necessary.

I wonder how reliable the Gates kit TCKWP245A for my 2005 SE is in general quality terms. Here's a link of it and I think Amazon sells it in a good price.
https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B001NYE292 ... -LO-KE5IST

Also, as I need to get the regular tune-up maintenance to pass the annual state contaminants test, I would go in the aftermarket parts route, so I would like to know which brands manufactures Mopar or better quality in:
Air filters
Fuel filters
Oil filters
PCV Valves
CKP/CMP sensors
Head/block/oil pan/valve cover gaskets
I know the best plugs for these engines are the default copper ones RC9YC, so no problem with this.
I hate Fram cheap oil and air filters from AwfulZone and I know it's only a Neon, but I think is a great car <3

Thanks for your help, guys!

Warm regards from Mexico.

[occasional demons]

Welcome Back!


First off, the fuel filter is part of the fuel pressure regulator, and is usually a lifetime piece, or replaced when the fuel pressure regulator dies.

The biggest issue I have seen recently with the Gates timing kits is the water pump leaking prematurely. About 30,000 miles/48280 km, or less.

Which sucks because if you have to get a Mopar or GMB pump, it takes away any savings of getting the kit. Even more so if you have to go back and redo it.

Crank and cam sensors, it's a tough call anymore. The Mopar ones are made in China now. IDK how long they hold up compared to the parts store brands.

[Albius]

Thanks for the reply, Bill !!

So the Gates pump sucks? If so, I was looking the OEM and costs $67.00 USD or so. It is matter to get a better price in the stealership

Did you experience premature wearing in the belt tensioner in Gates?

Thinking in getting a Gates racing (blue one) belt for this process too, but I am not sure if I will get a benefit in terms of durability or if the T245 will be fine

[occasional demons]

The water pump seems to be the only item giving any troubles.

[Albius]

Ok. I will take tensioner and belt from Gates and the pump and oil filter from stealership

[jonnymopar]

That's what I did last year. Can you order from Modern Performance in Mexico? I bought this kit to make sure I got the good quality tensioner:

http://www.modernperformance.com/produc ... components

Besides that, I put a Mopar water pump in. I don't want any problems with it!

[JeremyJ]

I've had good luck with all the available parts on Modern Performance's site. I think the Gates pump issue is hit or miss. Some have been fine. It's not exactly confidence inspiring, though.

[occasional demons]

Yeah, it sucked having to pull it all apart again at under 30,000 miles. As bad as a leak that it was, I'm just thankful it happened sitting in the garage. If i had been on a road trip, it would have sucked if there wasn't enough stops to refill my spare water jug and top off the system to make it home. It wasn't a small leak. Basically a stop every 10 to 20 miles and refill leak.

I'm just crossing my fingers, because I used a Gates kit in my Subie too. But access is a lot better in that situation, but still not something you want to happen a few hours from home with your family in the car. Or in freezing temps...

[Albius]

That's what I did last year. Can you order from Modern Performance in Mexico? I bought this kit to make sure I got the good quality tensioner:

http://www.modernperformance.com/produc ... components

Besides that, I put a Mopar water pump in. I don't want any problems with it!

Yup, I can order parts to MP from here. I am considering to do that if shipping does not cost so much.

As you guys stated, I don't want problems with the water pump either and I like to do this process once in a while in order to pay the labor only once and get rid of worries about timing components. Thanks for your thoughts!

[BlackRoseRacing]

For my SuperCharged build and my brothers Mexican turbo build here's what I used:
Timing belt - Gates blue belt (I had deflection at 7000rpm on my 2.0 Magnum build with black belts)
Water Pump - Mopar
Tensioner - Mopar or Gates
Air filters - Doesn't matter really, just stay away from any oiled air filters
Fuel filters - Not a maintenance item you have to worry about in normal conditions
Oil filters - I use either....NAPA GOLD, Mopar, Amsoil
PCV Valves - Mopar
CKP/CMP sensors - Mopar
Head/block/oil pan/valve cover gaskets - Victor Reinz gasket set ( the head gasket survived my 16psi of boost with 300+ intake temps)

I know the best plugs for these engines are the default copper ones RC9YC, so no problem with this. (I use NGK Iridiums in everything)

I hate Fram cheap oil and air filters from AwfulZone and I know it's only a Neon, but I think is a great car <3 (oil filters, NEVER USE FRAM) but when it comes to an air filter in a stock airbox it really doesn't matter, as mentioned above do not use oil soaked air filters (K&N)

^^^ This of course is my opinion and from my experiences

[occasional demons]

Honestly, I haven't used Champion plugs since I've owned a neon, and never had an issue. But then using quality plug wires might have something to do with that.