Hello out there

I am looking for advice on best timing belt and water pump kit supplier for a 1993 2.3l (5cyl) cabriolet. Can someone popint me in the right direction please? VAG don't seem to stock them any more. Many thanks George

 

 

 

Hello George, 

You raise a very well worth asking question.

If VAG parts are no longer available, then the only aftermarket kit I would use would be Gates, since these were OE suppliers to a number of motor manufacturers. The next all important choice is the water pump, and the quality of this is critical. Appreciating Gates do kits including water pumps, I would only use a non-VAG pump as an absolute last resort. Do VAG still list a pump for your car? - if so, I would only go for that. If not, you are indeed in trouble, since some (many?) aftermarket pumps are of dubious quality. 
Using a Gates kit to inc. the water pump?? Gates only make belts, but you would expect that the quality of the supplied water pumps would be as good as their belts, but.........

Not been there and done that, but SKF seem to market pumps, and they were/are manufacturers quality bearings - the weak point with aftermarket pumps - so could be worth a try. 

Perhaps you would let us know what you decide.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

 

Hi Gareth

Thanks for this.

Gates seem unavailable, and I have been advised by a VAG independent specialist that the best combined kits  are either Ina or Ruville, so think I'll go for Ina

Hello George, 

Ruville I’ve never heard off, but sounds Continental, so guess it makes sense. Ina are bearing manufacturers, but as far as I’m aware, not belt manufacturers - so who makes their belts?? The answer should lie with you independent, if they have bought these kits previously. 
Gates were using INA tensioners and idlers in their kits kits - which would make sense since they are quality bearing suppliers. 
The all important water pump? Are you sure this isn’t available from VAG? Have you tried? Water pumps included in belt kits worry me. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.