Originally Posted by ezveedub

I can agree with not arguing over getting a free belt in a kit that falls apart, BUT if it's not good quality, then don't bother giving it away, because it misleads consumers, more so when you advertise OEM/OE quality all over your website. I'd rather buy a quality belt then get a free junk belt any day. Waterpumps are another item I'm very wary of when it comes to getting them aftermarket sourced and is seems now a days, the original OEM brands your used to get from aftermarket sources are now all junk.

Originally Posted by rocketman4321

I agree there are two ways to look at this, but as for me, I thought I was buying a whole package and use of the tools, from a supplier many had cited here. I wasn't going to pay dealer prices, nor was I trying to get out the last 2% on an expensive kit. it was a package--I didn't expect to have to start picking and choosing among the parts in the kit. My original point was that the kit included a belt that was not the original material, and wore out faster than any belt I've ever had on any car. If the Gates info is correct, that's because of the material--something I didn't realize, so I posted it as a heads-up.

I'm often involved in supply chain technical issues at work, and I certainly appreciate how unbelievably many minor things can go wrong and derail a product, so I hope Blau has been able to work through it. I tend to agree that there's been some deterioration in general. But even brands with good reputations that are OE produce lemons--like that aux coolant pump that failed at 54k. Cam adjuster seals? Or just search on "control arms"! So even OE, name brand, and shop may not be indicators; price may be somewhat so, but it's not clear to me that the Gates belt I just bought is any different than the OE Gates belt at twice the price.

Personally, I often use this forum for advice on what parts to buy; thank you all for the help as we mutually pick our way though this thicket.

Originally Posted by baubau2.7

I also got a timing belt kit from blauparts.com, my reasoning was the price and most important the fact that u can rent their tool kits for 40$.
When I got the parts, I checked all of them. The serpentine belt was a german brand telequalitat i think but it did not look too good, and had a sticker on it that said overstock. I did a search online, and i found only 2 topics on the forums, saying they are crap. Also the t-stat was the same brand and looked like it was built on the ship on the way from China in really stormy weather.
So I called Napa and got a Conti belt and Behr t-stat.
The timimng belt was Gates and I was happy with that.
Also the belts installed on the car: Dayco timing belt and Gates serpentine belt and they were in really good condition for 95k.
So in the end I payed more,live and learn, and if it is going to be a next time I'll by a kit from ecstunning or europaparts they show you the parts brand and number.