Cam belt

[Physician]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

goodyear belts 39 pounds and work well

[Physician]

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]

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

[wirdy]

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 At that price I'm glad they don't need changing often, (oops, sorry Dave!).

[Spirit]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Cost of belt = £30-£80

Cost of fitting £300-£800

[Spirit]

Yeah I can go with that train of thought - you know it makes sense Rodders ! :-D

[nick-f1]

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 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]

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 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