Better Timing belts?
 

Maybe I'm really dense, and I've owned my 944 for about 5 months now, BUT how come there are no specialty companies making a belts for the 944 that aren't so fragile?
I have friends who make hoses for aircraft and other applications that are virtually bulletproof. The technology doesn't transfer to a belt application, but I find it hard to believe that there is not a material available to meet the specs for a timing belt and improve the durability substantially.
What do you think? Not enough market? I think anyone of us would pay a lot to not have to worry or repeat the job every 35K.

It's possible that there may be a "better" belt out there.

Check out Gates Rubber: www.gates.com

I replaced the timing belt on my rodeo..... similar setup..... except DOHC, balance shafts as well, drives the water pump, idler, tensioners etc........ but the belt is almost 2 inches wide! With a 100,000 mile change. This thing is a serious belt.

How is it tensioned?

Dynamic or static?

According to a (heretical) Porsche trained mechanic, The newer slightly wider belts fro Gates do NOT require retensioning.

Just quoting the guy....No flames, please.....

(Now inserting second foot into Nomex trousers)

It uses a hydraulic tensioner......

%$^@$%&@&!#$%~#$^!!!! hydraulic tensioners! btw, ae, what's a Saleen all about? what's the deal, man??

Didn't porsche upgrade the timing and balance belts at some point? I think the timing belt i got was 18mm wide and the original was 15mm. Those 3mm make a big difference in life expectancy. Not sure about the balance belt.

Todd> http://www.saleen.com/

I read in a auto magazine that there is a company making Kelvar belts. Doubt they make one for the 944 though.:(

A bullet proof belt would be sweet. The krikit/omnibelt company would go out of buisness. That would leave nothing to post about except how to turbocharge/supercharge our n/a...

I read about that kevlar belt too...seems like the perfect idea.

Hey, we gotta write the company! Unless, that is, that belt would be too stiff.....Is there any reason we need the extensability of rubber?