belt conversions

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Jan 27, 2002 | 12:10 AM

ions664x4

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Joined: Jan 2002

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From: Tucson USA

belt conversions

Does anybody know if and where I can get a serpintine belt conversion kit for my FE?

Jan 27, 2002 | 05:42 PM

flyboy2610

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Joined: Dec 2001

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From: Lincoln USA

belt conversions

Why would you want one? If the belt breaks you lose everything!

Jan 28, 2002 | 02:16 PM

karlsd

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Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 962

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From: Collierville, TN

belt conversions

I've often wondered that, myself. What is the advantage of a serpentine belt? There must be one, as every manufacturer has changed to them in recent years.

Jan 30, 2002 | 03:26 PM

73Custom

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Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 2,838

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From: SD

belt conversions

[font color=red size=2]I can only come up with a couple advantages...The wider belt requires less tension, which would be less stress on the bearings. The bracketry and pulleys might be more interchangeable for different vehicles in the factory (maybe?). One longer belt is probably cheaper and easier to make and install at the factory. Plus it looks really cool

- but that's me...

Just a thought...

Marty

Jan 30, 2002 | 05:31 PM

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From: Brea CA

belt conversions

Jan 30, 2002 | 06:42 PM

FE427TP

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Joined: Oct 1999

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From: yes

belt conversions

I would also guess that it could mean a more compact engine bay since you only have to deal with one belt width instead of adding depth for each accessory. Also it may mean less inventory needed to be stocked for multiple types of belts for one engine, just have one belt for one engine.

Jan 31, 2002 | 09:05 AM

karlsd

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 962

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From: Collierville, TN

belt conversions

So assuming that you have the engine bay space (which we all do) and don't have to worry about carrying belt "inventory" (none of us do), there's no performance or reliability advantage to a serpentine system, right?

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Jan 31, 2002 | 10:03 AM

Post Fiend

Joined: Feb 2000

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From: Brea CA

belt conversions

One belt puts less load on the front main bearing vs. multiple belts. The tensioner helps even more by preventing overtightening. You’d be surprised how much wear takes place on the upper bearing shell from all the accessories, especially if there is ac. I’ve seen it completely wiped out while all the others were fine. This has to put an extra drag on the engine compared to the serpentine setup.

Barry