I just called Advance to get a replacement for my Alt. belt and my PS belt, they quoted about $4 for standard and $10 for premium each.

My question is, is the premium belt in fact worth 150% more or is it just a gimick?

 

They are somewhat better, I have been through several of the cheep belts.

 

I say go for the cheapies. Just make sure everything is measured up.

The premium belts are made to withstand the excess wear and tear that happens if the pulleys aren't distanced correctly, I think.

 

Cheap belts are just that, cheap. The name brand belts have a little quality control versus the no-name belts.
Something vital, like the alt/WP belt on a rotary, go for the good stuff. Things like a/c, PS and the like that you can survive without, the cheap ones will work, for a while.

 

its only 10 bucks just get the premium so you have to worry about it for awhile.

 

Yeah I know, but I wanted to be sure there is a reason for paying the extra, if its no better quality, why bother.

 

Don't be cheap, spend that money. The fuel pump works now, time to drive it. lol

 

LOL, you just keep quiet, nobody needs to know that.......ROFLMAO

 

I want to tattle sooooo bad. I'll give you 1/2 Legend point for the bobo though.

 

It was legendary.......such a freakin dweeb.

 

I'm on the band wagon of best the best of things that could leave you on the side of the road if they fail.

Belts, ya get the good stuff.

 

Good belt on the car, and spare cheap one (or the old one you replaced) in the storage bin.

Had a friend that worked in parts, and he aways told me it was something in the material used in the cloth weave within the belt that was of higher quality. Also, the rubber quality was different and withstood more heat from friction without breaking down.

 

That's what I was looking for man, so they actually are a better quality belt, thank you.

 

No prob, but who knows, maybe my friend was just getting hosed (Canadian slang!) and its all BS.

Mind you, if you take brake rotors as an example, there is a DEFINITE difference between the cheapies and the premium ones in my experience. Also, I'm sure you've read the thread about idler arms. You can see the massive difference between a generic one and the Moog one that is actually a ball joint rather than bushings..

I just had a thought (don't laugh). We have a large boat, and most marine parts are built to a much higher standard. If you could get a marine belt in the same size, I can pretty much assure you its of higher quality.

 

Check the brand. Go for a good brand.

Dayco, Gates, or Goodyear... All good stuff.

Joes Belt co. Or something that looks like it's from melted Office Depot rubberbands ain't gonna fly.

 

In an RX-7, DEFINATELY get the good belts. Those cheap belts are made to go in some econo car, not in a sports car that routinely revs up to 9000 rpms. At Advance, the good stuff is Dayco Top Cog belts, they work damn good and still look like new after being on the car for over a year.

If it were some econobox, like my old 85 Honda I used to have, it wouldn't matter and I'd just get the cheap ****.