97 Toyota Celica St; Advice on a Timing Belt Kit

[Muckylogun]

Hi,

I'm in the market to buy some parts for my 97 Toyota Celica St 1.8. I need to replace the Valve Gasket, the A/C belt, power steering belt and the alternator belt. I recently bought the car with 112000 miles and do not know when the maintenance was performed so I foreseeable also need to replace the timing belt and the water pump (mechanic mentioned a noise might be emanating from the pump). I found a kit on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370372910798&viewitem= .

I'm wondering whether or not these are quality parts, and if its worth buying, not money wise but quality wise. Am I better off looking elsewhere, or are these good enough/ as good as I can get elsewhere?

[RobMilkshakes]

Some of the brands (GMB, Aisin) are reputable but even after working in several parts stores I do not recognize many of the manufacturers. I have never used a kit like this off of ebay but honestly I dont think you'll be saving very much money. I think for my timing belt, water pump, cam and crank seals I spent about $70? So overall you may save like $10-20 but you'll also have to pay shipping and wait. Most parts stores should ahve this readily in stock or in stock somewhere else locally.

[Hacken]

i was also looking at these ebay kit yesterday for my 1990 celica also but after a couple of looks i think i rather just go spend 200 for some quality name brands at a auto store. now, would these ebay parts be sure to last for a couple of years? why not spend a little bit of money for better products with warranty. just my opinion.

[Pineapple]

Try dealer also. They're not really much more expensive. My 5S-FE rebuild kit come with all metal gaskets. Much better then the paper one from other kits.