Review on 🏎️ Superior Continental OE Technology: 4050345 5-Rib, 34.5" Multi-V Belt for Optimum Performance by Vishal Geske

Wow, that wasn't easy. I lowered the generator as much as possible, and the belt still had to be overcome. This belt is listed in the Goodyear Application Guide for 2004 Impreza 2.5 RS/TS with naturally aspirated 2.5L SOHC engines. It appears to be slightly shorter than the stock belt. I had to use a breaker and a 22mm socket to turn the crankshaft pulley to tighten the belt. That makes me a little nervous. If using this belt on a Subaru, make sure there is a gap between the alternator and the A/C compressor belt. On my car, the gap is only about 1/8 inch. I checked the grooves in the Goodyear belt with my belt gauge and it goes through easily as it should for a new belt. Gatorback belts have grooves that are perpendicular and angled to regular grooves, which should make the belt quieter. The downside is there's less surface area against the pulleys and they're likely to wear out faster. If I had to do it again, I would I'm trying to find a slightly longer strap. I'm not going to name Gatorback grooves just yet. EDIT: 05/16/13. I checked the straps a few days ago and they were a bit loose. A little stretched, no big deal. The A/C compressor belt has become discolored after actually making contact with the alternator but no real damage appears to have occurred. When re-tightening the belts, the gap between the alternator and the belt has increased slightly and everything should be fine. good No further wear on belt from contact Old belt was quiet so Gatorback d-grooves don't seem to do anything special.