my name is nick. i work at a toyota dealership and i own an 04 sti with roughly 58 on the clock. first i was wondering if i would need to change the timing belt at 60k or 90k? and if it is at 90k, would anyone know if the ej25 is an interferance motor? doing it doesn't seem that hard, possibly a five hour job or so. so if anyone would happen to know that would really help, thanks.
its alot less then a 5 hr job...and yes its a interference motor. we reccomend t belts around 90k though subaru says 105
I think according to the maintenance schedule it's 105k. (http://www.cars101.com/subaru/subaru_maintenance.html, but double check your owner's manual, it should have a schedule in there) It is an interferance engine in that if the timing belt breaks it is possible for the pistons to hit the valves. From what I've read on nasioc people recommend changing the belt before 105k, so maybe 90k is a good time to change it. edit: bah, typed too slow, so basically, "Yeah, what Erik said."
no no, I just didn't want people to think I was copying your advice. your reply wasn't there when I started, I just took too long.
I have heard good things about the STi (aftermarket) Kevlar/Carbon timing belt. I heard there was some article floating around about that was very convincing as to why you should use that STi uber expensive belt over the normal kinda expensive belt. just thought if you are going to be doing it, might as well look into all the options.
The only problem with Kevlar belts is only the belt is made from it. The ribs are not. And imo your more likely to strip the ribs off.
Just buy the normal belt. Don't spend any extra money, because you more than likely won't be doing it twice with the same motor...unless you only drive freeway miles and never mod your car. Normal belts go 105k and then some, but the piece of mind would be 100k. It is an intereference motor, and if the belt breaks while your moving...Your pistons will hit the valves. Maybe not too seriously, but I wouldn't hold your breath.
Be careful when you do it. I believe the driver side cams want to jump when you take the belt off. And that could possibly cause damage.
