While reading a big bhp project thread yesterday i saw he had a Kevlar timeing/cam belt.
Have never heard of these before.
Obviously there going to be stronger,but at what bhp do you start needing these?
Im going to be running 500bhp and want to play safe as regards to belts,so is it worth doing?
Also anyone know how much they cost.........dare i ask....
Cheers

 

I've got one on my built 2.5 - it's not 500bhp...yet

IIRC it was only about £30 more than the standard one and, although many say it's not necessary, for the small price difference it was a no-brainer as far as I was concerned

 

I have a Cosworth kevlar timing belt on my S202, the main reason that I went for it is that they are a lot stronger than the standard belt.

I paid £135 for mine but I believe that Enginetuner are or were doing them for £125 inc delivery if my memory serves me correctly.

At the end of the day the standard belt is fine and used by a lot of people but I prefer the knowledge of the added strength of the kevlar belt, as this is considerably cheaper than an engine rebuild.

 

not when GGR do there own belts that they use on there builds for 40quid!

 

In theory, the amount of BHP has nothing to do with the strength requirements of the timing belt. It's under no more stress in a 500bhp lump than in a bog standard engine (unless the rev limit has been substantially raised) It's really just a "peace of mind" thing.

JohnD

 

I wish manufacturers would go back to chain-driven cams. The chain on my Lotus Cortina was never a problem

 

How about the water pump?

Fabulous car though, I had a Mk1 GT as I couldn't run to a Lotus.

 

And the rattly timing chain?

I had a Mk1 Cortina GT bought new (I worked at Ford) in 1963 Rev. counter in a pod on the steering column. Great fun but hairy in the wet!
The Lotus Cortina was the first car I couldn't get insured on at 19 yrs old! (along with a 3.4ltr Jag Mk2!)

JohnD

 

I run one on my own car. Stronger and more durable than a standard one for not much more money.

We have them in stock also.

 

Thanks for replies chaps.
Seems like its not worth the cost of changing for the hell of it.
But when the next cambelt change comes around,(only done 10K since engine build)i will defently upgrade....

 

The one good thing about Subarus (yep, just the one thing lol ), is that their OEM Subaru/Gates belt has not got a reputation for beng a 'snapper'. So at least we've got that comforting nugget 'on our side'.

But no harm in upgrading if you're prepared to stretch to it.