Belt routing alternatives

[oldguy668]

I'd like some feedback on these alternate belt wraps:

40230

This is as close as I can get to Jeff K's setup but I'm concerned about the small amount of contact on the crank pulley

40241

This one raises the alternator up to its "designed" height, but now it will interfere with my FE-style expansion tank. Crank pulley contact is marginally better.

40242

This one gives the greatest amount of crank pulley contact but I have the high alternator issue again.

Whatch y'all think? Also, can somebody tell me why my photos only post as links and not thumbnails or images?

[R Thomas]

Interesting, I agree I would worry about the contact area for both crank and water pump on A. What would happen if you turned the alternator bracket over and mounted the alternator below it then tried the C type routing again? C by itself I would think would at least require a different outlet for the radiator hose to keep belt from hitting the hose, B might b the same issue although it looks to have more clearance. But as far as routing goes C looks like best contact area and I think might still give good contact with the alternator down low. Really like your idea of testing layouts out of the car should save u tons of grief.

[oldguy668]

Can't run a "C" layout with the alternator low since the belt will rub itself where it crosses the water pump pulley. The alternator bracket can't be flipped over because the triangle formed by the 3 bolt holes is not isosceles (symmetrical).

[CraigS]

For me "C" is the only one that will be reliable. You could try hanging the alt off the top bolt and see if it will work.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Joe,
I agree that your A looks sketchy on crank wrap. On my own car the "Big V' belt setup has been reliable for many years and miles but I used the Ford Racing PS bracket and made my own for the alternator. This puts them higher and closer in allowing for probably close to 120 degrees of belt contact at the crank:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/871046495111_0_BG.jpg?t=1295621224

I have used CFR pulleys & brackets on a couple of different builds. I never tried the "V" routing configuration with this setup but it does locate the alternator lower than it appears to be in your B and C configurations. This is about the best photo I have available:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1934.jpg

I don't know if that would allow room for the tank or not???? I'm due to have one of the cars with this setup here this week and can get some measurements for you if that might help.

Jeff

[oldguy668]

Jeff, I'm working myself into a corner again because I really want to adapt this cool T-bird tank I just bought.

40286

I don't think I can make the tank and high alternator work since I believe they will want to occupy the same space. Maybe I should try a two v-belt setup since the serpentine belt really does not fit in with an old school look. Thanks for responding

[NukeMMC]

You might consider adapting that tank to look more like the original 289 cars. Their tanks were on the driver side and 90deg out from the FE tanks. Here is CSX2386:
40289

[oldguy668]

I am going to noodle some alternate locations for the tank. There are a number of variations for mounting and plumbing, so I have some homework to do.

[rmiller64]

I went for the Old school look with V-Belt thinking I would use that expansion tank, but haven't made the purchase yet. Used clockwise rotation water pump but matching pulleys and brackets was a pain to lineup
40293

[rich grsc]

I think the reason you picture don't show, you need to click the 'earth' icon, then post your link there.

[Bren]

never mind

[Dan Babb]

Will the power steering bracket bolt up if you flip it over? If so, it looks like that might get your power steering pump high enough so Option C will work.

Option C really is your best bet...you'll probably get belt slippage with the other ones.

[Dan Babb]

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