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Physician
01-04-2004, 05:57 PM
I've just had a quote from a local garage which does servicing mainly on Evo's and Scooby's - they also have a racing team.

Cam belt made by QH (respectable manufacturer) for the VR4 @ £32.00.

Certainly half the price of a Mitsubishi supplied belt but does anyone have any comments on this? Think it would be safe for 45,000 miles?

Many thanks,

Richard

Spirit
01-04-2004, 06:06 PM
Interesting one this - if it was me, I agree with getting it fitted elsewhere (of course a reputable garage) to cut the labour charge down but I still think I would fit a genuine belt as it's such an important component. Just my two pence worth ;)

Physician
01-04-2004, 06:15 PM
Interesting one this - if it was me, I agree with getting it fitted elsewhere (of course a reputable garage) to cut the labour charge down but I still think I would fit a genuine belt as it's such an important component. Just my two pence worth ;)

I agree with you almost 100% Pete ........ as you say, it's a critical component.

Having said that, Mitsubishi will buy them in as they don't manufacture belts so I'd be interested to know who supplies them. I'm informed by these guys at the garage that they use them on all the Evo's etc so they are obviously OK or they would have some serious returns on their hands. I'll investigate further before I make the purchase ........ but I must admit I'm veering towards paying the full £70 for a Mitsubishi rip-off belt - aghhhhhh !

Cheers,

Richard

Rally205
01-04-2004, 06:17 PM
That garage wouldn't happen to be GGR would it?

As for QH belts they are top quality and I wouldn't have any concerns in fitting one especially if it saves a few bob :-D

wirdy
01-04-2004, 07:47 PM
i've fitted Quinton Hazell (QH) parts (timing belts, water pumps, brake cylinders, etc) to all my previous cars without incident.

Didn't know they stocked a belt for the VR4, any idea of the part no.?

I'll get one 'cos my belt's due in a couple of thousand miles time.
QH make bits to OE specification, there will be no concerns over reliability. :)

Physician
01-04-2004, 08:34 PM
i've fitted Quinton Hazell (QH) parts (timing belts, water pumps, brake cylinders, etc) to all my previous cars without incident.

Didn't know they stocked a belt for the VR4, any idea of the part no.?

I'll get one 'cos my belt's due in a couple of thousand miles time.
QH make bits to OE specification, there will be no concerns over reliability. :)

I'll find out the part number and let you know Wirdy.

Richard

Physician
01-04-2004, 08:36 PM
That garage wouldn't happen to be GGR would it?

As for QH belts they are top quality and I wouldn't have any concerns in fitting one especially if it saves a few bob :-D

Yes Rally ....... Graham Goode Racing. No-one is foolproof but I would trust their experience.

Richard

bonsai boy
01-04-2004, 09:31 PM
goodyear belts 39 pounds and work well

Physician
02-04-2004, 03:19 PM
i've fitted Quinton Hazell (QH) parts (timing belts, water pumps, brake cylinders, etc) to all my previous cars without incident.

Didn't know they stocked a belt for the VR4, any idea of the part no.?

I'll get one 'cos my belt's due in a couple of thousand miles time.
QH make bits to OE specification, there will be no concerns over reliability. :)

OK Wirdy ...... I went back and saw a different parts guy and asked him to check with QH that this is the correct belt (as it was such a good price). He checked and it's different !!! The part number is QTB 580 @ £40.63 inclusive.

Plugs he quoted me for are NGK ... part number PFR6G11 @ £16.53 each (Platinum).

Richard

enigma
02-04-2004, 04:31 PM
OK Wirdy ...... I went back and saw a different parts guy and asked him to check with QH that this is the correct belt (as it was such a good price). He checked and it's different !!! The part number is QTB 580 @ £40.63 inclusive.

Plugs he quoted me for are NGK ... part number PFR6G11 @ £16.53 each (Platinum).

Richard

Yoiu can get Iridium plugs for £12 each mail order or planitum ones for £10

www.spark-plugs.co.uk (http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk)

wirdy
02-04-2004, 07:38 PM
Plugs he quoted me for are NGK ... part number PFR6G11 @ £16.53 each (Platinum).

Richard

Thanks, the belt is still better value than the Mitsi item.

My manual says NGK PFR6J or DENSO PK20PR-P8 :thinking: At that price I'm glad they don't need changing often, (oops, sorry Dave!). ;)

Spirit
03-04-2004, 09:11 AM
Was talking to AP Motors last night about plugs and they said they have had several FTO's come in before that should also have platinum plugs fitted and they have had standards put in - so take care and make sure you get the right ones ;)

nick-f1
03-04-2004, 06:00 PM
If it helps at all, was talking to my local specialist garage today ( SVS at three legged cross, ferndown) while I was booking mine in for cambelt change, and Steve the owner- reckoned that QH products were made to a price and not as good as some. He always fits manufacturer originals as he has had some cheaper ones fail. They specialise in jap fwd and performance cars. He also reckoned another culprit for cambelt failures is the waterpump,.

cheers
Nick

Physician
03-04-2004, 10:02 PM
If it helps at all, was talking to my local specialist garage today ( SVS at three legged cross, ferndown) while I was booking mine in for cambelt change, and Steve the owner- reckoned that QH products were made to a price and not as good as some. He always fits manufacturer originals as he has had some cheaper ones fail. They specialise in jap fwd and performance cars. He also reckoned another culprit for cambelt failures is the waterpump,.

cheers
Nick
Interesting points Nick.

1] In respect of fitting Mitsubishi <b>belts</b> I would suggest again that Mitsubishi don't manufacture belts and so they buy them in from one of the manufacturers ...... maybe QH. <b>OUR</b> problem is that we don't know <u>which</u> manufacturer they use ........ or do we - anyone?? Got an old one in your garage with a Brand name on?? As Pete has already said ...... the timing belt is <b>SO</b> critical that we <b>MUST</b> get the proper specification belts fitted.

2] Water pump problems are an issue that I've read about before and personally I'm going to replace it at the same time the timing belt is done ....... just to be on the safe side.

Richard

Spirit
03-04-2004, 10:06 PM
Good idea regarding the water pump Richard, guess you are doing this for peace of mind right ?

Surely it follows then that for peace of mind why not just fit the Mitsy belt and spend the extra ££'s ? Is it really worth saving a few quid ?

Physician
03-04-2004, 10:31 PM
Good idea regarding the water pump Richard, guess you are doing this for peace of mind right ?

Surely it follows then that for peace of mind why not just fit the Mitsy belt and spend the extra ££'s ? Is it really worth saving a few quid ?

Yes, peace of mind Pete. In respect of the timing belt, as mentioned further up, I'm veering to getting the original from Mitsubishi BUT I'm trying to find out if we can identify the manufacturer as it seems silly to me to get a Mitsy one at some £70 with (possibly) the brand name QH on it when we could get the same for £40 at another distributor. Actually, same goes for the water pump ...... some £120 from Mitsy and £65 for a QH. Just these two parts alone you would have a saving of some £85. BUT, if they f*** up then the cost of the damage is, of course, horrendous!

However, it seems to me that if we can positively identify suitable (or better) parts then we could collectively save considerable sums on our maintenance. To this end I'm going to go and see Graham Goode Racing again on monday and ask to speak to a senior manager/owner to get the real low down on recommendations / advice.

I shall let y'all know.

Richard

enigma
03-04-2004, 10:32 PM
Cost of belt = £30-£80

Cost of fitting £300-£800

Spirit
03-04-2004, 10:34 PM
Yeah I can go with that train of thought - you know it makes sense Rodders ! :-D

nick-f1
04-04-2004, 11:54 AM
Hi Richard, have my mitsi supplied belt in my hands as we speak. It has no markings on it all apart from "made in japan" no numbers or nothing! It was sealed in a bag with mitsi label part no MD318814. It cost £71 and fitting by SVS will cost £188 if all is well with idler pulley/tensioner and waterpump. but if not well we'll see, but I think it makes so :greedy: und sense to change these items if at all doubtful. Good luck with yrs

Nick.

hold on, just found markings( should have taken it out the bag first) another number 234yu30 and unitta h.nbr and mitsi logo, these mean anything to anyone? Is it possible to found manufacturer from this?

Physician
04-04-2004, 02:48 PM
Hi Richard, have my mitsi supplied belt in my hands as we speak. It has no markings on it all apart from "made in japan" no numbers or nothing! It was sealed in a bag with mitsi label part no MD318814. It cost £71 and fitting by SVS will cost £188 if all is well with idler pulley/tensioner and waterpump. but if not well we'll see, but I think it makes so :greedy: und sense to change these items if at all doubtful. Good luck with yrs

Nick.

hold on, just found markings( should have taken it out the bag first) another number 234yu30 and unitta h.nbr and mitsi logo, these mean anything to anyone? Is it possible to found manufacturer from this?

Well done Nick !!!! That's what we needed ........ Unitta is a manufacturer in Far East. Will now do some more investigation and see if I can locate the actual belt itself and whether or not they have European distributors.

See <a href=http://www.gnapco.com/automotive.htm>HERE</a>

Many thanks

Richard :)

nick-f1
04-04-2004, 03:02 PM
Hi Richard,
great if we can find another direct source. Would it help if took a digi photo of the belt markings and emailed it to you? Meanwhile will investigate further from my end, I have a contact who works for a supplier of volvo marine parts ( whom source parts direct from volvo part manufacturers, but not for volvo!) and he might be able to help with this.

Nick

Physician
04-04-2004, 03:14 PM
Hi Richard,
great if we can find another direct source. Would it help if took a digi photo of the belt markings and emailed it to you? Meanwhile will investigate further from my end, I have a contact who works for a supplier of volvo marine parts ( whom source parts direct from volvo part manufacturers, but not for volvo!) and he might be able to help with this.

Nick
OK Nick, I've located them in Dumfries and have sent an email asking for distributor details in UK for the part number you found (Not the Mitsy one).

Well done ! (added 'respect' to you lol !)

Richard

nick-f1
04-04-2004, 05:04 PM
Well done to you too Richard, glad to be of help....... especially if it saves us all money in the long run. Let us know how you get on...... thanks

regards
Nick

Spirit
04-04-2004, 07:25 PM
Excellent work gentlemen ;)

wirdy
04-04-2004, 09:21 PM
Well done to you too Richard, glad to be of help....... especially if it saves us all money in the long run. Let us know how you get on...... thanks

regards
Nick

Cheers Nick-f1. Hope you don't mind being the 'fall guy' if Richard manages to find a more cost-effective supplier of belts using your valuable part no. info. :thinking:

If your garage honour their quote I think you've posted the best price anyone has had for the dreaded cam-belt change. ;)

nick-f1
05-04-2004, 08:57 PM
Hi Wirdy , no problem being the fall guy as you put it,I have learnt a lot from this forum in the last few weeks so if I can put something back......... It was good timing really that this thread arose while i had my cambelt in the car. As you may have read I negotiated the cambelt service off the price of my car and he supplied the belt,,,,,,, so I suppose I paid for it indirectly. As to the change,Mitsi is booked in on thurs 15th for it so we'll see. Only problem is we have to go to cornwall on friday afternoon for my nephews wedding, so if anything else needs replacing we'll have to go in the wife's Nissan or whatever car the garage supply! I,m looking forward to frightening the residents of Newquay!

cheers
Nick.

Ps: whats the paint code for hamilton silver, is it A71?

Kieran
05-04-2004, 09:10 PM
Ps: whats the paint code for hamilton silver, is it A71?

Yep.

A71 is Hamilton silver.

A69 is Satellite silver

nick-f1
05-04-2004, 10:39 PM
cheers kieran, that means mines hamilton silver as well.

Nick

SGHOM
05-04-2004, 10:44 PM
Mine should be hamilton silver, but appears to be a slightly lighter shade !! :$ me thinks it must have been resprayed at some stage. :stunned:

Kieran
05-04-2004, 10:47 PM
Mine should be hamilton silver, but appears to be a slightly lighter shade !! :$ me thinks it must have been resprayed at some stage. :stunned:

Yeah, I think so too, especially after I spotted that dodgy looking seam weld going right along the floor of your car :lipsrseal :lipsrseal :lipsrseal :$ :-D

SGHOM
05-04-2004, 10:51 PM
EEK !!!! now I know why the shark fin antenna on the rear matched, but the bonnet vents didn't !! :veryangry :rolleyes5

SGHOM
05-04-2004, 10:55 PM
err... back to thread, my cam belt was £71.13 + VAT & the fitting [by Nobles ] was £280. but this also, on the invoice, included fitting the spark plugs also.

nick-f1
06-04-2004, 08:31 AM
Hi Interlec, that puts yr price for fitting about the same as mine. 'cos SVS said it would cost another 80-100quid for spark plugs depending on how much the plugs were. (he based that on if they were fto plugs). But i decided to wait and see if it was just cambelt ( not waterpump or anything else) and do the plugs myself.

Cheers
Nick

Physician
06-04-2004, 11:21 AM
Update on the Unitta details:

Not good news I'm afraid. The UK Gates Unitta Company in Dumfries don't supply that belt and have no intention of supplying it.

I therefore contacted Gates Unitta in Asia and they told me that they have no dealings with America nor UK. I was advised to try Gates Unitta in USA to see if they or one of their US distributors would export to UK.

I'll contact and update y'all ASAP but I'm not optimistic as this is a typical global corporate startegy followed by Multi-Nationals to protect individual market segments.

Richard

wirdy
06-04-2004, 09:26 PM
.........as this is a typical global corporate startegy followed by Multi-Nationals to protect individual market segments.

Thanks Richard, it was worth a good try.
Had to re-quote the above, what a superb quote!! ;)

mike
07-04-2004, 03:28 PM
More info to add to this discussion...

The QH belt mentioned above with the part number QTB580 is listed in their catalogue as being for a different V6 lump - i.e. not the 6A13TT :undecided

No-one local to me seems to be able find QH stuff for the VR4, but they can get Blueprint stuff, ADL, and gates. So I can get a Gates water pump but not the timing belt, which we knew, or both items from Blueprint or ADL - anyone got experience with these manufacturers? I've heard of Bluprint, but not ADL. The guy I spoke to seemed to think ADL was of comparable quality to Gates.

Also... can someone confirm the NGK and Denso plug numbers - I've been quoted NGK PFR6G's but think this is the wrong heat range - we need J's don't we?

Mike.

enigma
07-04-2004, 04:32 PM
Also... can someone confirm the NGK and Denso plug numbers - I've been quoted NGK PFR6G's but think this is the wrong heat range - we need J's don't we?

Mike.

Not sure about the NGK plugs, but the Denso ones are PK20PR-P8.

nick-f1
07-04-2004, 06:47 PM
Yep your right Mike, according to my manual it quotes NGK PFR6J and denso pk20pr-p8 as Dave quoted.

Nick

nick-f1
07-04-2004, 08:30 PM
Funny this, just checked out plugs at www,sparkplugs.co.uk and they quote pfr6j upto 1997 then 1997 on as PFR6G for galant 2.5 v6 or 3000gt. They dont actually list the vr4. Strange perhaps best to stick with '6J or go for iridium plug?

Nick

mike
07-04-2004, 09:09 PM
Good, I've gone for the J's - I saw that too, Nick, on www.sparkplugs.co.uk - thats why was checking.

So big service at the weekend with oils, plugs, filters, belts, and the water pump being changed for good measure (as something squeaks when its cold).

All items are BlueprintADL which I have found out is the same company - for more info look at www.blueprint-adl.co.uk

I'll post some prices tomorrow after I get the invoice.

Wish me luck. :D

Mike.

venomboy
26-06-2005, 08:51 AM
Was Inquiring about cambelts with my local factors (they're very good for cheap parts) And he reckoned he could get me a gates cam belt, extra duty, which I had never heard of before I searched for this thread. Say's £35 inc vat, haven't tried him on it yet will let you know.
P.S. will I need any other gaskets etc?

venomboy
26-06-2005, 10:59 AM
anybody done this?

westy
26-06-2005, 06:01 PM
i always fit gates belts,never had a problem

nobbymogs
27-06-2005, 12:20 PM
i remember a few years ago that a bloke in the local motor factors told me that there are only about 3 timing belt manufacturers in the Uk but not sure how true this was as i asked him for a pukka belt for the evo

nobby

Oblivion
26-06-2012, 10:09 AM
Apart from using a genuine mitsi belt, are there any aftermarket cam belts we can use? When I get around to doing mine I'd prefer to upgrade rather than just replace since its not an easy job. The Gates belts sound good, can anyone one confirm 6A13T availability / suppliers? I need to ask again since this thread is so old! lol

wintertidenz
26-06-2012, 10:22 AM
Check with Automotive Supplies - they sell Bosch belts, but not sure about Gates. A Bosch belt should be fine as well IMO - cambelt number is 9621, listed under EA5A Galant (not Legnum for some reason?)

I've got a Gates one on my car and it seems to be just fine - however they don't seem to do the blue racing ones for our cars.

swinks
26-06-2012, 11:40 AM
I can quote ranking of aftermarket belts from PL forum, here findings:
1. Mitsuboshi (aftermarket second use Mitsi one) - best option
2. Dayco - good quality
3. Conti - average quality
3. Bosch - below average, getting worn too quick
4. Gates - if made in Poland (the largest Gates factory is located in PL) - avoid, several failings reported with belts less than 10k miles

adaxo
26-06-2012, 05:48 PM
What about SUN??

Wodjno
26-06-2012, 05:51 PM
What about SUN??

Hehe :rolleyes:

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk 2

adaxo
26-06-2012, 05:54 PM
Hehe :rolleyes:

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk 2

:huh:

swinks
26-06-2012, 06:36 PM
What about SUN??
:thinking2
eerghh... no idea
Share your opinion... :D

adaxo
26-06-2012, 07:43 PM
I'm almost sure that was/are a second choice by reputable ppl from mitsumaniaki.pl, if 'Mitsuboshi' cambelt was not available?? It was long time ago thou, may trends are changed now.

swinks
26-06-2012, 08:22 PM
Yes, I remember they have good reputation, but in my thread I've tried to list belts common in UK market. SUN seems less popular and I couldn't find any significant recommendations of them on English sites.
Anyway, Dayco and SUN make also OEM belts. First one is main supplier for diesel engines (PSA group and Fiat) and Nissan, second one for Toyota and Mazda.

adaxo
26-06-2012, 08:54 PM
What a relief /woot2, for a moment I through I got this wrong, again.

Sun is on the shelf atm waiting for his turn to go in to Leggy.

swinks
26-06-2012, 09:20 PM
What a relief /woot2, for a moment I through I got this wrong, again.

Sun is on the shelf atm waiting for his turn to go in to Leggy.
:thumbsup:

Wodjno
26-06-2012, 09:27 PM
What a relief /woot2, for a moment I through I got this wrong, again.

Sun is on the shelf atm waiting for his turn to go in to Leggy.

Hehe :D

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk 2

adaxo
26-06-2012, 09:29 PM
Hehe :D

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk 2


Obviously trying to increase his post count

/haz

Davezj
26-06-2012, 09:32 PM
I have just fitted a sun belt to my vr4 I think it is the standard belt supplied by camskill.

Oblivion
27-06-2012, 07:01 AM
Wow I would of thought the Bosch and Gates belts were supposed to be better than the Mitsi ones. Guess I'll stick to genuine parts when the time comes!


I can quote ranking of aftermarket belts from PL forum, here findings:
1. Mitsuboshi (aftermarket second use Mitsi one) - best option
2. Dayco - good quality
3. Conti - average quality
3. Bosch - below average, getting worn too quick
4. Gates - if made in Poland (the largest Gates factory is located in PL) - avoid, several failings reported with belts less than 10k miles

wintertidenz
27-06-2012, 10:17 AM
That's an interesting comment re: the Gates belts - they are usually the preferred choice for quite a few cars from what I've heard.

Mine is still looking like new after 65,000km.

swinks
27-06-2012, 01:45 PM
Very likely blets in NZL are from different factory then.
Here is an extract from Mitsumaniaki forum (that what I did find quick), yrs 2007-2010 failures:
65k km - Galant EA5W - Bartek (forum usr name)
25k km - Lancer with 4G15 - wojmi1
35k km - Colt with 4G13 - Br@dleY
60k km - Galant E33A - kscman
55k km - Lancer CB4A - Grzesiek84
50k km - Lancer CB4A - oddy
25k km - Carisma 1.8 GDI - LordSQN1

Quite a lot, and that's only where thread had in title "... belt snapped..." etc.

chris_dono
27-06-2012, 04:05 PM
Bando make a lot of belts, and you can usually specify sizes yourself !

wintertidenz
28-06-2012, 07:32 AM
I think the Gates belts over here are possibly made in Aus?

They usually have a warranty on them where if they snap and take out the engine within the 100,000kms, and you replaced the tensioners etc at the same time, they will pay for your engine rebuild/replacement.

Oblivion
28-06-2012, 10:18 AM
I think the Gates belts over here are possibly made in Aus?

They usually have a warranty on them where if they snap and take out the engine within the 100,000kms, and you replaced the tensioners etc at the same time, they will pay for your engine rebuild/replacement.

That sounds really good if thats the case. Is there a supplier in NZ where we can confirm this warranty?

wintertidenz
29-06-2012, 06:22 AM
I would check with Gates themselves, they should have a number on their NZ website.