Topic: Best timing belt kits for a jdm 96 wrx?

[CollinWrx]

Need to change my timing belt but not sure what the best choice to go with is! Anyone confirm the gates kit fit for the jdm wrx?

[N3UBIE]

It will work, but you may have the old two piece tensioner given that your car is a 96. If you want, you can swap out the mounting bracket for the tensioner and get a new one for the newer 1-piece tensioner that comes with the Gates kit. I have the part number in my build thread if you want to dig through there. When I did mine, I went with OEM parts for the koyo bearings.

Also, I should add, DO NOT go with the Gates racing timing belt. The blue coating will rub off over time and can gum up your idlers.

[Krispy_Kreme]

Instead of creating yet another timing belt thread, I thought I would post in this one. I have a 1999 GF8 WRX and I should get the timing belt done soon. From what I have read everything from a 2002 WRX will work with my car except for the tensioner? or should my car have the new tensioner since it is a 1999? I found the new tensioner bracket # in N3wbie's build thread (13156AA041, will this work with the ej205?) so I suppose i could just buy one of those and take it back if I didn't need it as long as it works in my car.

[N3UBIE]

You will have the new tensioner. The transition was between 96-97 I believe, and anything after the EJ20K will have the new unit.

[chemtek]

Seen some interesting parts / timing kits priced decent from this site.  Along with some internals for earlier gc engines.
http://rogerclarkmotorsport.co.uk/store/category/23-2008-2013?model=23

[Krispy_Kreme]

Awesome! thanks N3wbie. Guess Ill have to get a kit for an 02 WRX ordered