Shortened serptentined belt

[zach]

I have a 94 ATX SHO motor that I will be removing the P/S and A/C assemblies.

Is there a stock belt out there that will fit with these removed?

Thanks!

 

[jonheese]

Yes there is, and you should be able to figure it out yourself. The belt model number is just based on the number of ribs and the length of the belt.

For instance, a 4060845 is a 6-rib belt that's 84.5" long.

So figure out what the stock size is, take a few inches (or whatever seems reasonable based on what you're removing) off and get that belt size. You may get lucky with your first guess, or you may have to go back to the parts store a few times (or just buy a range of sizes and return the ones that don't work).

Optimally, you want the tensioner to be as close to the middle of its travel when the belt is "tight".

 

[93rev2sev]

This.

And don't bypass the power steering. The system is not built for the forces needed to turn the wheel with no boost. You will break something.

 

[jonheese]

Oh yeah, good point. I didn't even think about what he was actually removing.

 

[rbruso]

I've used string before with other cars when the belt size was unknown to get an approximate length.

Basically get the tensioner about where you want it and thread a string around the same groove on each pulley, routed as you need the belt to go. Cut, measure, and see what comes close at the parts store.

And definitely don't bypass the P/S. You'll be doing a bit of damage to the collapsible section of the steering column with those forces, and that's not exactly the most durable section of the assembly to begin with.

 

[jonheese]

Excellent idea, string. Sometimes the simplest answer is the most elusive.

 

[JATO]

With an assistant holding the tensioner in position, route a cut stock belt through the pulleys, and mark where they over lap. Measure this and go to NAPA and they should be able to set you up with a belt within 1/4 to 1/2 an inch of what you need. I used this method when I needed a short belt for the 300 in my F-150 after I removed the smog pump.

 

[zach]

I've used string before with other cars when the belt size was unknown to get an approximate length.

Basically get the tensioner about where you want it and thread a string around the same groove on each pulley, routed as you need the belt to go. Cut, measure, and see what comes close at the parts store.

And definitely don't bypass the P/S. You'll be doing a bit of damage to the collapsible section of the steering column with those forces, and that's not exactly the most durable section of the assembly to begin with.

Thanks, this is what I was planning on doing, just wondering if there was a belt out there from a different car that could be substituted.

P/S and A/C removal is for my swap into an 89 MX6. The MX6 will have 13lb FD's on it and is not an issue. I've been without for several years with any issue to my steering rack or hardware.

 

[gmorrell]

I've done the odd length serp belt thing quite a lot. Get thee a cloth sewing tape, measure the belt path with the tensioner pulley set at both extremes of it's travel, then shoot for a belt length somewhere between min and max measured lengths.

 

[jonheese]

Well, considering that not many people will have done exactly what you're doing, you can't really expect anyone to know the exact length of the belt you'd need, let alone what other vehicles, if any, would have used it, now can you?

You've obviously done your fair share of trail-blazing to get to this point, so what's a bit more?

 

[zach]

No one has?

When I find a belt, I'll post which one it was

 

[jonheese]

How many people would have gotten rid of the power steering? I would imagine that's a small pool. Then how many of those also dumped the AC? Even smaller. How many of those post/check SHOforum regularly? I would guess zero.

Even if there was one, who's to say he'd be correct in his answer? Maybe senility has set in and he doesn't properly remember what belt it was. Or maybe he used a belt one size too small, and his tensioner is failing because of it. Et cetera, et cetera.

I'd think it's easier to check with a string or strip of cloth for yourself than to even post this thread. But that's just me.