Aftermarket Parts Quality? - Honda Prelude Forum

Mañana · 07-25-2010, 04:30 PM

Hey guys, I’m just about to order some parts to replace the timing belt and some associated systems on my 2001 SE. Wondering if any of you have experience with these brand names? Anything I should stay away from?

I’ve generated a spread sheet to compare prices from various retailers in Canada and the US. Genuine Honda would be wonderful (if I were a millionaire!) but I know that they out-source a tonne of stuff anyway. Happy to share part numbers and prices with anyone.

Any help would be appreciated.

Continental (ContiTech) - Belts
Bando – Belts
Koyo – Bearings / Idler
NPW – Water Pump
OP Parts – Fuel Filter / Air Filter
Tama - Thermostat
Gates - Thermostat
Ishino – Valve Cover Gasket
NPN – Air Filter

pIERCE · 07-25-2010, 09:51 PM

Not a lot of people on here talk about their aftermarket tune-up purchases, and I wouldn't go away from honda.

So all I can say is hope for someone else to come in here with a better answer!

The belts Honda uses are made from Gates, I know that.

indylude18 · 07-25-2010, 10:29 PM

Since you are gathering parts for the t-belt job, you really don't want to cheap out on that one. Always use Honda OEM parts only for the t-belt job. Those parts are vital to the longevity of your engine, since if any of them fail, you will probably be looking at a head rebuild. If that happens, the $100 or so you "saved" on parts just cost you a chunk of change.

Now for the other stuff like the t-stat/gasket/air filter, you might be able to save yourself some money there. If one of those parts doesn't function correctly, it will not wreck your engine, it will only be an annoyance until it is replaced. OEM would be better quality, but aftermarket are worth a shot on non-essential parts if they are considerably cheaper.

Mañana · 08-04-2010, 09:05 PM

Thanks guys for your input.

I won’t disagree with you on anything written, I would be most happy to go with Dealer stuff; unfortunately here in Canada the difference in cost on most of these parts is astronomical!

When I did my clutch, I was told that Daikin was the OE supplier; so I bought their clutch components with a KOYO Release Bearing for $231.62 all in. That saved me $387.30 over buying them through Honda ($618.92).

Gates eh! I just sent an email to find a distributor here in Canada…. turns out it’s NAPA.

I did some research and found that Continental (ContiTech), a German company, has been around since 1871. ContiTech North America the specialist in rubber technology for automotive and industrial applications
They’re apparently the leading OE provider in Europe for Power Transmission stuff (timing belts / idlers); Gates is second there, and I think first in N. America. They’re the two biggest OE providers in the world; I have no problems buying either of their belts and/or systems.

Koyo, a Japanese company is a popular brand for bearing related stuff and again appear to be established and reputable.
Koyo

Tama (Japan) seems established as well, 50 years with primary products being automobile thermostats (they also do Thermo-switches, Thermo-sensors, Gage-sensors and Oil Pressure switches). TAMA ENTERPRISES CO., LTD. | Business Guide

I couldn’t find anything on NPW? Mike at IRP says they’re decent OE quality. It seems many retailers are selling these water pumps.

I know it seems as though I have answered my own question here but I was hoping for some insight through experience; looks like no one has much negative to say about any of these brands, so I’ve ordered them from Mike at IRP, great guy, I’ll let you know how the parts turn out.

Mike95lude · 08-11-2010, 06:28 PM

Thanks for placing the order with us! I think you will be pleased with all the parts you selected. NPW is the best aftermarket waterpump maker for Honda's. NPW is a Japanese company and their pumps are made in Japan as well. We have had zero issues ever with those pumps.

For Timing Belts, you can't go wrong with Continental (Conti-Tech), Bando, Gates, or Mitsuboshi. Those are all OEM for various automakers. I'm using the Ishino gasket sets on my N/A H22. Ishino is an OEM gasket maker for Honda, made in Japan, etc. Same goes for Koyo.

Mañana · 08-31-2010, 09:45 PM

I just realized that I haven’t updated since I finished the job.

Terrific parts Mike!

Pulled off the old Balance Belt Tensioner and it was a Koyo (from the factory).

Accessory Belts were Mitsuboshi as mentioned.

The Autotensioner IRP sent was a factory Honda part, bag and all (for considerably less money).

Ishino, also labelled as “Stone” in certain places, looks like a great gasket set with a terrific reputation. Nice fit.

NPW Water Pump also looks like a quality product that came with both gaskets.

Car runs great and I have total confidence in the parts selected. Thanks again Mike.