S2000 Under The Hood S2000 Technical and Mechanical discussions.

Time to replace the drive belt...

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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 10:57 AM
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Default Time to replace the drive belt...

My drive belt is starting to make noise so i figure it's about time that i replace it.

I can't decide whether or not i should replace it with an OEM Honda belt or some form of aftermarket belt.

I have tried searching but can't seem to come up with a definite answer; some people swear by the OEM belt and claim it is higher quality than the aftermarket ones, while others claim a belt is just a belt and choose to go with aftermarket ones.

When factoring in cost, at my location the OEM Honda belt is about $110 from the dealership, whereas an aftermarket one can be had for about $30.

So my question is, is there a real quality difference to justify the Honda belt being so much more expensive?? Also, is it true aftermarket belts tend to be noisier, or are there any other drawbacks to using an aftermarket belt?

If anybody who has experience switching to an aftermarket belt, or anybody who claims the Honda belt to be superior wants to chime in and state their case that would be great. Thanks guys.
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 11:23 AM
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I have never installed a non-oem belt on a S2000. However I've never had a problem with a Gatorback belt that I installed on my ZX2 S/R.
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 11:31 AM
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When I replaced my belt, I cut the old one...that oem belt is built tough. I was very impressed with the construction quality.

You may be able to get one cheaper that will work...but will it last as long as the OEM? And do you need it to last as long as the OEM?
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 11:36 AM
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OEM
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 11:42 AM
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^ Well, seeing as how it is about a 10 minute job to replace the belt i don't think it's a huge deal about it lasting a very long time.

Especially when considering the cost of 1 OEM Honda belt, i could buy 3-4 aftermarket ones.

I'm just wondering mostly if there's any adverse effects other than longevity, to using an aftermarket belt (such as increased noise at idle)
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 11:53 AM
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at what mileage have your belts gone out guys? just curious.
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Hero,Feb 19 2009, 12:53 PM
at what mileage have your belts gone out guys? just curious.
Just over 70k miles for mine. It is not cracked or fraying yet, but it is very dry and making a lot of noise especially at cold idle.
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by vincewchan,Feb 19 2009, 12:36 PM
OEM
Any particular reasoning behind that?
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 01:44 PM
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just by oem and drive for another 100k without problems.
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 02:07 PM
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oem or conti-tech
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