What is the best timing belt kit for your Subaru? Gates TCK and TCKWP kits are the go-to for WRX, STI, Legacy GT, and Forester XT owners — OE-quality belts and components, with kits that include the water pump so you do the whole job once.
Belts, Kits, and Why They Matter
Your engine runs two kinds of belts. The timing belt synchronizes the crankshaft and camshafts — if it fails on an interference engine like Subaru's EJ series, the pistons meet the valves and the engine is done. The Micro-V (serpentine) belt drives accessories like the alternator and power steering. Gates covers both: TCK timing component kits bundle the belt with tensioners, idlers, and seals, while TCKWP kits add the water pump — cheap insurance to replace while everything is apart. The Racing-spec kits use a reinforced belt construction aimed at high-RPM, high-boost builds.
The Brand Behind the Belts
Gates is a global manufacturer of belts, hoses, and fluid-power products, and an original-equipment supplier to automakers — which is why its aftermarket parts carry OE-level credibility. In the Subaru world, Gates timing component kits are the default recommendation: the kits in this collection cover 2002-2014 WRX, 2004-2021 STI, 2005-2009 Legacy GT, 2004-2009 Forester XT, and more, including TCKWP328 with water pump and the TCK328RB Racing kit. This collection also stocks Gates Micro-V accessory belts, including one spec'd for Vortech supercharger setups on the FR-S and BRZ.
Other OE-grade belt makers exist — Dayco and Continental both build respected timing kits — but Gates' TCK/TCKWP coverage of Subaru turbo applications is the broadest in this catalog.
Do the Whole Job at Once
Pair your timing service with water pumps, cooling components, hoses, and oil coolers, or go back to factory spec with Subaru OEM replacement parts. Two kits that define this collection: the Gates Timing Kit with Water Pump TCKWP328 and the Gates Racing Timing Belt Kit TCK328RB. Wondering what maintenance really determines engine life? Read how long WRX STI engines last.
FAQ
When should I replace my timing belt?
Follow Subaru's factory maintenance schedule for your exact model — EJ engines are interference engines where a snapped belt means valve damage. If you are unsure yours was done on time, check the service history.
Should I replace the water pump with the timing belt?
Yes. On EJ engines the water pump is driven by the timing belt, so the labor to reach it is identical — replacing it during the timing service (as TCKWP kits are designed for) costs a fraction of doing it separately later.
Do I need a tune after a timing belt replacement?
No. A timing belt service restores factory timing; it does not change airflow, fueling, or boost, so no tuning is required. That applies to standard, Racing, and OE belts alike.
What is the difference between the standard and Racing timing belt?
The Gates Racing kit (TCK328RB) uses a reinforced belt construction intended for high-RPM, high-boost engines where belt stretch or failure is more likely. For a stock or lightly modified daily driver, the standard TCK kit is the right call; for built engines that live near redline, the Racing belt is cheap insurance.
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