jayr0422

iTrader: (2)

Just curious which is better as far as longevity? I heard a couple people say it runs quieter than OEM but maybe that's just because it's a new belt? Opinions? I'm not in any rush (this is just preventive maintenance) so don't just say the Gatorback because I can get it at the store.

I ask because my local Auto Zone wants $45 for the Gatorback and I can get OEM shipped to my door for around that price. I'm definitely not an "I have to change every part to aftermarket" type of person. I like to stick with OEM but would get the Goodyear Gatorback if indeed it's better and I can find it cheaper... Thanks

istundra

iTrader: (2)

I had the same question.... I bought a gatoback belt and my mechanic refused to install it.

He ended up ordering BANDO belts (oem manufacture for our cars) and installed it instead. Ended up to be a few bucks cheaper then gatorbacks.

Look at your belt carefully... you'll see BANDO printed all over it.

Goodluck!

raytseng

I think the gatorback will probably go longer before it starts squealing but you'll have to change it eventually too.
Performance wise, I think it's probably a toss-up.

Delta

I've had my Gatorback on for about 4 years and haven't had any problems at all , plus it still looks in great condition.

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

I had a gatorback start squealing on my after a few months. It had a 1yr warr so I switched it out for another one. At that point, I haven't driven for quite a while because my car was down for rebuild. So finally 3-4 months later the car was back on the road, and about 4 months after that the gatorback started squealing again lol...warranty on the belt was over at that point. I switched to the stock belt afterwards and it lasted me over half a year with no squealing, but I took it out afterwards because I upgraded to a ATI SuperDamper crank pulley(apparently the stock pulley does not like to be revved past 8k rpm, because it separated on me lol) which is slightly smaller than the stock crank pulley. Right now I'm using a Gates belt that fits the new pulley and no squealing after half a year and counting.

PS: The OEM belt is manufactured by Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.

augdogg

Always OEM....my friend owns a shop and i'll take his word over anyone. OEM>gatorback.

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

Cars not being driven will always belts to squeal from trying to recharge the battery.

VNN326

iTrader: (21)

i like the gatorback. im running it right now i mean its the same material but its much quieter IMO. i dont know how long its going to last with OEM cause i dont know how long it will last under weather conditions i have my gatorback for 2 years now. no problems what soever.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Both oem & Gatorback belts squeal & wear out fast. Search "Continental drive belt." This belt is better constructed, no squealing, and lasts longer..

GS400KY

OEM>gatorback

Kbueno

OEM<gatorback
Fuzz lasts longer.

aka paco

iTrader: (15)

my SC300 had bad squeal i tried two different belts with no fix, then i finally bought a gator back, and it seemed to fix it.

vwynn

iTrader: (4)

had gator back on my Supercharger... that thing kepted on skipping the ribs... n it cost me $20-30..

i now have some cheap $10 belt that looks like a normal OEM belt for the S/C n it hasnt failed me yet


as for drive belt.. OEM!

memGS300

another vote for Gatorback