[P2164]

The Gates Rubber Timing belt division is here in Siloam Springs AR, they manufacture belts of all kinds. Another member and I have been discussing a cross reference for our belts, I thought if I had one used belt for each type motor I would drop them off at the engineering division and get some information and cross reference.

I have a shelf full of 308 belts, so that one I have, need a 348, 355, 430, 550, and what ever else you can think of. I need old belts as they might cut them apart.

Anyone want to help? Please chime in.

[cribbj]

Jack, as we've already discussed, if no one offers a used 550 belt, I'll contribute a new Dayco to the cause.

[P2164]

Originally Posted by cribbj

Jack, as we've already discussed, if no one offers a used 550 belt, I'll contribute a new Dayco to the cause.

Lets see if we can get a used one first. Most people just throw them away, for some reason I hold on to them, not sure why. I might ask the engineer for his opinion on the wear of old belts also.

[tazandjan]

Jack- Mine will be done next year if you can wait that long. Why not drop Josh at ECS a PM? I am sure he does multiple belt changes. Incidentally, the belts are identical for the 456, 456M, 550, 575M, Superamerica, and 612 so that increases your chances of a hit on that perticular belt.

Belts are not that expensive, so why are you worried about a replacement? There is a warranty on the Ferrari sourced belts, but there would not be on aftermarket belts.

[P2164]

I had mentioned to John that Gates Timing Belt devision and manufacturing plant was not far from my home, one of their engineers had been looking at the 348 I now own (which is due for belt change) and said that dependent on the belt material that Gates makes belts that are superior and last for years of continuous service. So I thought that I would drop off some old belts to see what they are made of and if gates offers anything superior to what we buy now. John and I also want to pick his brain about different belt construction and see what has more reliability via a different tooth design. If there is anything better and why I would share with everyone here as the plant is only 15 miles from my house. I know a lot of people are strictly OEM people and thats fine but I put GM alternators on all my Ferrari's as they are cheaper and last longer in my opinion. Different strokes for different folks. Thanks for the offer Taz!

[tazandjan]

Jack- Worth a shot and hope you have better luck than I did trying to get someone interested in making upgraded engine mounts. No takers.

[Magnum6464]

That sounds cool, another better product....but I haven't heard of anyone having one snap under the 30K or 5 year mark yet.....Hope it never does to anyone either......

BTW, you wont get anything from the 430 owners......they use chains....LOL



~

Mario

[Granucci]

348 is not just about the belts . the problem is timing tuning bearings and water pumps excetera not sure what exactly great advantage will be to a long lasting belt unless 1 want to skip the engine out and take chances on the other pieces . I'm sorry the 348 and 355 are just lousy designs for easy maintenance .

but in the interest of your science I will see what I can do about some 348 belts I have .