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Fasterthanyou · 06-04-2005, 09:49 PM

You've got lots of options. I had the same dilemma a couple years ago. My engine was overheating with and without the a/c on so I ditched it. Not to mention it didn't hold a charge worth a damn and I didn't know squat about how to fix it. All I knew was that my friend just got his a/c repaired and it ended up costing him $700. Yeah, RIGHT. So I put the alternator where the air pump was and removed the a/c compressor. Then between 6 trips to the parts store I finally got the right belt. To reverse the tensioner just remove the bolt holding it on and drill a new hole for the spring 180 degrees from the other. Then grind down some of the lip on the front of the tensioner that prevents it from rotating too far. You'll need that extra bit to remove the belt and keep it tight. That's how I did it and I'm really pleased with it. I also have a stock pullies and a Stewart stage II water pump. Having the beafed up water pump hub and bearing is good when you increase the belt tension.
I'd show you pictures but I'm sure you've already seen them on tgo.

06-04-2005, 09:49 PM	#7
Fasterthanyou Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montgomery NJ Posts: 1,271 iTrader: (0)	You've got lots of options. I had the same dilemma a couple years ago. My engine was overheating with and without the a/c on so I ditched it. Not to mention it didn't hold a charge worth a damn and I didn't know squat about how to fix it. All I knew was that my friend just got his a/c repaired and it ended up costing him $700. Yeah, RIGHT. So I put the alternator where the air pump was and removed the a/c compressor. Then between 6 trips to the parts store I finally got the right belt. To reverse the tensioner just remove the bolt holding it on and drill a new hole for the spring 180 degrees from the other. Then grind down some of the lip on the front of the tensioner that prevents it from rotating too far. You'll need that extra bit to remove the belt and keep it tight. That's how I did it and I'm really pleased with it. I also have a stock pullies and a Stewart stage II water pump. Having the beafed up water pump hub and bearing is good when you increase the belt tension. I'd show you pictures but I'm sure you've already seen them on tgo. __________________ , Jon Owner of a Red Sled. If it\'s EFI I can tune it. Specialize in 82-95 GM (yes Lt1\'s) \"If you can leave black marks on a straight from the time you exit a corner till the time you brake for the next turn.......Then, you have enough horsepower\" - Mark Donohue