[Dave Schiffers]

Must a tensioner be used when running a serpentine belt?

I want to do a conversion. Water pump, alternator, and crank.

Photos anyone?
Help?
Suggestions?

Thanks,
Dave

[george kujanski]

You need some way to put tension on the belt. Some versions use a spring-loaded idler pulley; you put the belt on all the pulleys while holding the idler back against the spring, release it and the idler keeps the belt in tension.

Other versions use a idler that slides in its mount for adjusting, but then you tighten it down into a fixed position. Others may use one of the accessories in a sliding mount as the tensioning device, then tighteneing it down.

My cars have the spring variety and all the accessories are in fixed mounts.

George

[Dave Schiffers]

I assume your are saying you have one on your Pontiac? From which vehicle did you take it from and did you have to do anything to make it fit your Pontiac?

Thanks,
Dave

[Dave Schiffers]

Anymore people here do a serpentine swap yet and can pass along some info?

Thanks,
Dave.

[Dave Schiffers]

Anyone?

[69convt]

I have a March serpentine system. Tension is obtained by lengthening or shortening the AC or alternator adjusting rod. There is no tensioner.

[matrix]

I have a used Rodney Red system. Alt and PS. $200

[fyrebird68]

A friend of mine is close to releasing his serpentine system for Pontiacs. He is a retired engineer, and he has already done these for Ford and Chebby.

I have the laser-cut prototypes in my truck. He should be doing the final test fit in a week or so. It's a nice set-up; all the parts stayed in more or less their original positions, just tucked in nice an close. It will minimize re-wiring and re-plumbing.

Any interest?

Bob Trimpe

[JC455]

Depends on the price. A REALISTIC price, or look at my billet @#$@#$ price.
I'd love a properly setup serpentine system.

[Dave Schiffers]

69convt, matrix, fyrebird68......

If possible, could you post photo's?

Thanks in advance,
Dave.

[69convt]

I will try to post a picture, never have before so it may not come out. Can actually see better pictures on the March performance web site.

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

I have a ROdnry Red setup on my motor. Alt, h2o, ps. Looks nice. Good fit. Uses factory style tensioner. Haven't started motor yet so not sure how it will run. But should work just fine.

[fyrebird68]

The serpentine system is progressing nicely. I hope to have pictures of the mounted prototype by next week.

This is laser-cut stainless or painted steel .25" plate.

What do you guys consider a reasonable price? Has hasn't set one yet.

Bob

[69goatboy]

Originally Posted by fyrebird68

What do you guys consider a reasonable price? Has hasn't set one yet.

Bob

Bob, If you scan through a Summit or Jegs catalog, they seem to be around $800-$1,200 per kit, depending on the level of accesories of course.

A well engineered, complete kit starting around $600 would go over well here I think.

What sort of finishes is your buddy thinking of? Chromed (=$), painted, black oxided (steel), anodized (Al)?

Perhaps others can chime in with their $.02

jamie

[Dave Schiffers]

March part # 13100 is $395.95 at Summit....... so a new product comming to market needs to beat this price!

Dave

[fyrebird68]

I think he's looking at stainless or painted for this first pass.

I'll pass along the price points.

As sson as he rolls out the prototype, I will point him to this forum, and he can begin fielding questions from interested people. Stay tuned.

[JC455]

I was thinking Rodney Red or better.
There is ABSOLUTELY no reason to charge huge amounts of money for "Bling." Who cares? Chrome a steel piece if you need shiney.
I would make the parts out of steel and slap some cheap black paint on them to protect them from rusting. The end user can coat them however he/she pleases. Function over form, you might say.
It's nice when Pontiac guys can build our own stuff and not have to get screwed by the big names just because it's not for a Chevy.

[69goatboy]

Originally Posted by Dave Schiffers

March part # 13100 is $395.95 at Summit....... so a new product comming to market needs to beat this price!

Dave

Thanks for the correction Dave, I was typing off the cuff.

Here's the breakdown on the march kits from summit.
$395 - march system (crank, water pump & alternator)
$599 - march system (crank, water pump, alt, & press fit ps pump)
$645 - march system (crank, water pump, alt, & keyway ps pump)
$999 - march system (crank, water pump, alt, keyway ps pump, & ac)

I agree with JC, function over bling.
But I do like the turnbuckle type adjustment rods for belt tension over the other options.

[Bnick166]

I really don't think there's a very big market for another overpriced conglomeration of idlers and pulleys. I, myself, would never pay the prices March is asking for there serpentine systems. For the prices they are asking, I'll buy parts and pieces to piece together a serpentine system that doesn't need all of the extra idlers and goo-gaw pulleys. I'm hoping this thread is leading us to a serpentine belt system for our Pontiacs that is functional, attractive and not aimed at "Raping the Racers! (just my .02 worth)

[JC455]

Fyrebird68-
Any news?
Thanks!