2.5 Turbo timing belt idler wheel choices?

[Tim]

I'm about to change the timing belt and the idler / tensioner pulley on my 89 2.5 Turbo Spirit. It just turned over 200,000 miles, so the factory tensioner pulley might be a bit worn, probably should change it.

I went to the local Advance Auto Parts, and the idler wheel they showed me had ball bearings with a PLASTIC wheel molded over it.

Is that one ok to use, or should I stick to the local Dodge dealership parts department? I presume theirs would be different although I have no idea.

And a Dayco timing belt and the pulley at Advance cost about 60% of what the Dodge dealership wants.

[turbovanman²]

The plastic one is fine, many have gone many 100,000's of miles with no problems.

[135sohc]

This is one of the few times where I'd prefer to have a plastic part vs the metal alternative. Its one solid piece vs being two stamped halves that are spot welded/staked together and have been known to split apart..

[boost geek]

Ihad 2 piece split apart, using a modded plast icone nwenow.I type like a tard. I neded a larger diameter wheel for my milledhead[IMG]./boostgeek/IMG

[supercrackerbox]

I've never had any problems with the plastic ones. Look at Rock Auto for a timing set that includes both the belt and the tensioner; the last two I bought were cheaper than just the belt was locally.