what is the best timing belt. I've seen the belt - water pump combination but seem to remeber reading somewhere it suggested to get the gates belt but a different pump. Did I imagine that?

You may have imagined part of it, Gates is top-of-line products for both belt and pump.......http://www.gates.com/products/automotive/passenger-car-and-light-truck/cooling-system/water-pumps

Ive seen several sites that recommend just using original toyota OEM belts and parts. What's your opinion. Is there usually much if a price difference?

http://www.proimporttuners.com/parts/2005-toyota/camry-gates-racing-timing-component-kit.html?utm_source=googleproductsearch&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=product&gclid=CLG0scXVjsACFRMLMgodEWkAEw ......$178 Gates belt and water pump kit, No tensioner included but you can't go wrong on that one..Dealer OEM parts 2-3X more and no better IMO

http://www.amazon.com/Timing-Belt-Toyota-Camry-2002/dp/B0079MO3EQ $189 (Fits '05)

Although that one above from Amazon might be junk. Couldn't find name of manufacturer and that's not a good sign, Chinese mass-produced crap.Tell the truth if it was me I would bite the bullet and buy OEM from Dealer. At least you know Toyota will stand behind the warranty. Sometimes saving a buck at the start cost you way more money and grief in long-term. But at the risk of being wishy-washy -can't- make-up-my-mind... Gates, I still say, are superior to ANY other after-market parts