Timing belt Gates or Contitech

Just changed mine on saturday.. Car has 65k , although the tensioner and rollers seemed prefectly fine i could tell the belt was stretched.. Car runs smoother/ quieter after install and i have peace of mind that it will last another 65k.

i just put this kit on my 1.8t and no issues after about 2k miles. From what I hear the contitech stuff is actually better then oem. Im not really impressed with the oem stuff anyway.

I'm using a 16V crank sprocket, 9A 16V intermediate shaft and sprocket, oil pump drive and oil pump, Gates T226 timing belt (155 teeth) and a tensioner pulley from a 2.4 Mitsu Galant.

I installed a VW oem belt made by Gates in Germany without having to pry the belt on. The Gates belt seemed to have a little more "give" than the Contitech belt.

My Audi 20v five potter uses the same tooth profile as the 16v but the t-belt is the 19mm wide flavor. I've never minded ripping that thing up to 7K and feared that the belt would'nt hold up... even withe the 4 extra valves and the waterpump running off that belt!! I'would'nt panic as long as it gets replaced when it's due. Oh and don't get me none of that cheapo stuff either.. gotta be ContiTech or Gates!!! And don't spill oil or grease on any belt!!

The timing belt is a Gates unit.........came in a kit with the tensioner, cam seal, and an intermediate shaft seal. I really like the answer that my belt is fine, and fuzzy is ok......I mean, it'll bug me still, but it's nice to know I didn't screw something up while doing a little maintenance.