Gates standard or Blue Racing Timing Belt?
#41
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If you're making X times more power than stock then its a no brainer. The reasoning is simple - crankshaft rotation is not smooth. The crankshaft accelerates with every combustion event. If you're making 3 times the stock power, then guess what, that acceleration is 3 times higher. The belt rides directly on the crankshaft and therefore it is subject to much higher forces as well.
Hence I have the blue belt.
Hence I have the blue belt.
#42
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Gates T179RB Engine Timing Belt High Performance Automotive Timing Belt | eBay
#44
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I just cranked it for the first time since I did the turbo install and timing belt swap. I forgot I stuck the blue belt in there since it didn't sound any different. My car isn't quiet by any means, but I don't hear any sounds that would be considered annoying on the street. I have not tried a 30 degree cold start, which might be a different story.
#45
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SOB!!! While getting ready to pull new wires for sequential fuel and COP I noticed something strange.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/engine-performance-56/114982d1401980160-gates-standard-blue-racing-timing-belt-img_20140604_202014_731.jpg)
I noticed a small bolt sticking through the upper timing belt cover right below the valve cover. I pulled the valve cover and timing belt cover and found this.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/engine-performance-56/114983d1401980160-gates-standard-blue-racing-timing-belt-img_20140604_203248_935.jpg)
That is freaking less than 100 miles on a brand new belt. Luckily I found the first one for cheap and picked up a replacement from the same guy for $35 again. I am glad timing belt replacements are easy on these cars. I am used to the hell of front wheel drive timing belt replacements on 1.8T VW engines (i've done 8 of those) and rank 2nd on my worst jobs to do, right after FWD clutch replacement.
I found the culprit.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/engine-performance-56/114984d1401980160-gates-standard-blue-racing-timing-belt-img_20140604_203651_957.jpg)
I found one of the timing belt cover backing plate bolts missing and three others were loose too. I knew I should have used locktite on these too, i did on every other bolt. Bad news is that I think the one that came out is stripped on the head side. I will have too drill and tap for a slightly larger bolt or come up with some way to prevent this from happening in the future. Right now I wish I could just leave all these covers off!
I never heard any strange noises or anything. By the look of the belt I am lucky to have made it home. These belts must be real strong if it can stay in tact with half of the cords being cut!
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/engine-performance-56/114982d1401980160-gates-standard-blue-racing-timing-belt-img_20140604_202014_731.jpg)
I noticed a small bolt sticking through the upper timing belt cover right below the valve cover. I pulled the valve cover and timing belt cover and found this.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/engine-performance-56/114983d1401980160-gates-standard-blue-racing-timing-belt-img_20140604_203248_935.jpg)
That is freaking less than 100 miles on a brand new belt. Luckily I found the first one for cheap and picked up a replacement from the same guy for $35 again. I am glad timing belt replacements are easy on these cars. I am used to the hell of front wheel drive timing belt replacements on 1.8T VW engines (i've done 8 of those) and rank 2nd on my worst jobs to do, right after FWD clutch replacement.
I found the culprit.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/engine-performance-56/114984d1401980160-gates-standard-blue-racing-timing-belt-img_20140604_203651_957.jpg)
I found one of the timing belt cover backing plate bolts missing and three others were loose too. I knew I should have used locktite on these too, i did on every other bolt. Bad news is that I think the one that came out is stripped on the head side. I will have too drill and tap for a slightly larger bolt or come up with some way to prevent this from happening in the future. Right now I wish I could just leave all these covers off!
I never heard any strange noises or anything. By the look of the belt I am lucky to have made it home. These belts must be real strong if it can stay in tact with half of the cords being cut!
#50
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I might look into running an exposed belt. I have always been worried about getting crap in an exposed belt, but after this crap I might just get some adjustable cam gears and run with an exposed belt. I need to do some research first. Do you guys take all the covers off? I always thought most people just trim the valve cover so you can access the can gears but leave other covers on.
#52
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I've been running fully exposed with blue belt for 3 years...no issue yet as daily driver...
homo question to thread jack this a little....is there a safe way to clean this belt to keep it shiny blue and pretty??
homo question to thread jack this a little....is there a safe way to clean this belt to keep it shiny blue and pretty??
#56
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I have had a few PMs now about the source of the $35 blue belt.
Engine Timing Belt High Performance Automotive Timing Belt Gates T179RB | eBay
Just do an EBay search for Miata gates timing belt and this guy pops up. He seems to relist frequently.
Engine Timing Belt High Performance Automotive Timing Belt Gates T179RB | eBay
Just do an EBay search for Miata gates timing belt and this guy pops up. He seems to relist frequently.
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