So here's the situation, my em1 has 72k miles and has a jrsc, the car has never had either components replaced. The thing is though that the car sat outside under a cover for about 5 yrs, probably turned on once a month. I know Honda recommends changing them ay 90k-105k but I'm just worried that having the car sit outside for five yrs in the cold and heat of Chicago really degraded the belt. That and since this is my daily and I drive 80 miles a day I dont want to get stranded and have to rebuild my engine

 

Change it all. Lord knows what sitting for 5 years NOT being driven has done to it.

 

Usually the interval is 90k or 7 years whichever comes first

 

Should I upgrade belts?

 

Belts, seals, anything else you can think of. Check the oil pump while you're at it.

 

No, don't upgrade. Just get oem. They really are great quality. Superior to most alternatives.

 

I think upgrade meant change in this case. There is no upgrade for OEM Honda parts.

 

^there is upgrades to oem parts....if you get brand new parts. some are revised not neccessarily a performance upgrade though.
some of their new bolts are dif metals and have dif coatings.

i wouldnt change the water pump unless it doesnt work. it worx or it doesnt. on the other hand belts crack, wear, snap. replace gaskets and belts and hoses.

 

If this is recommended then why would you not replace the pump? Better safe than sorry and since you already have access to it might as well.

 

yeah might as well but i wouldnt consider it dumb not too. After all honda motors are considered interferance motors but iv never had any bent valves or piston from broken timing belts, iv broken over five of em on several b16s and d16s.

 

The seal in the water pump tends to go bad about 10,000kms after changing the timing belt and deciding that "oh that water pump is still ok" Ask me how I know.

I'd replace the water pump, cam and crank seals, thermostat and coolant with OEM honda parts at the same time. Timing belt i'd either go OEM or Gates.