Kevlar timing belts vs OEM timing belts... thoughts?

[92pearltt]

Some good info in this thread.

[fullracegt]

I know this is a little off topic,but what are the pros and cons of using a solid timing belt tensioner?

[AdamVR4]

I know this is a little off topic,but what are the pros and cons of using a solid timing belt tensioner?

pros - won't be overwhelmed by stiffer aftermarket springs, less likely to allow the timing belt to jump due to violent miss-shift
cons - difficult to achieve stock belt tension, won't compensate for belt stretch, may require more frequent inspection

[ruben2566]

The stock belt in my KIA motor had a Gates logo on it along with several KIA logos, which led me to believe it was made by Gates.

[aaronatstate]

The stock belt in my KIA motor had a Gates logo on it along with several KIA logos, which led me to believe it was made by Gates.

It is, at our plant in Korea. The OEM belt anyway. We make an aftermarket one here in the States too. Matter of fact I was just messing around with them the other day!

[Tigchamp]

So, as I have both.
What is the problem with having a Kevlar belt & a Solid tensioner.
Jeff

[aaronatstate]

I personally would never run a solid tensioner knowing what I know about belts now. No system that a belt runs is perfect. Nothing is aligned 100% perfectly. This leads to a few thousandths of length variation as the belt rotates. (When we measure them at work we might see the belt length change from .002 to -.001 for example). They tensioner is there to take up the length variation. With a solid tensioner you don't get that.

[Chris@Rvengeperformance]

Need a "solid" tensioner with a spring in it.