So...I'm on my third 8 rib since making that conversion. I've noticed 2 probs:
1. the idler pulleys dont seem to have the belt aligned properly - pass side is biased inside, drvs side to the outside, but all the others are perfect...I did try spacers to line them up, but that just ripped the belt to pieces!
2. belt seems almost too loose as its when I get on it hard and then back off that I get the belt slap and it skips and tears...tried setting the tensioner tighter but then its too tight!
Belt is Gates #K081124, blower pulley is 2.9, 8 rib kit is Innovators West, and 10% overdriven crank...ANY SUGGESTIONS?

 

Did you pull the ps pump pulley off? That one is easy to push on too far and cause a misalignment. The Gates laser alignment tool is the best 100 bucks I ever spent on the truck.

Quick question, what dia. is that IW balancer? I bought one used and it is slightly smaller dia. than the stock one.

 

Bet its your tensioner. The 8rib puts extra stress on it and wear out faster.It will lean forward (towards the front of the truck) as they tension(when you get on it ) and throw the belt off the pulley about 3ribs then it shreds. I bet your always left with a 5rib belt.

 

Pick up a couple of these, then get a manually adjustable tensioner and add a Gatorback belt. Problems solved... Also, I don't think belt being too tight is a problem for long because they will stretch.

Pulleys from Thumpracing dot com

cool colors too...





PM-2076 76mm Billet Aluminum 8 Rib Pulley


Heavy Duty CNC Machined Aluminum Pulley
Can be used in either the tensioner or idler position.
8 Rib pulleys will work on both 6 and 8 rib setups.
Available in silver, anodize black, gold, red, blue, clear, see color scheme here

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PM-2090 90mm Billet Aluminum 8 Rib Pulley


Heavy Duty CNC Machined Aluminum Pulley
Can be used in either the tensioner or idler position.
8 Rib pulleys will work on both 6 and 8 rib setups.
Available in silver, anodize black, gold, red, blue, clear see color scheme here

MONTHLY SPECIAL - NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR COLOR - SAVE $15.00
$45.00 Choose color: Qty:



PM-20100 100 mm Billet Aluminum 8 Rib Pulley


Heavy Duty CNC Machined Aluminum Pulley
Can be used in either the tensioner or idler position.
8 Rib pulleys will work on both 6 and 8 rib setups.

$58.00 Available in Silver Only Qty:

 

get a katech tensioner. it will help keep the belt happy

 

It specifically says not to use the Katech tensioner with a blower...

 

Ya...I pulled the PS pulley and it seems to be fine. Thing is belt lines up fine everywhere but the 2 idlers...I gotta believe its an alignment issue and its typically just 1 rib that gets torn off.
As for the balancer, I cant remember exact dimensions, but I did take a close look last summer when I switched over to 8 rib. I was tuning with Justin and had to give exact details to get the proper belt length.
I HAVE THE LAST MAGGIE UPDATED 8 RIB TENSIONER AND ITS SET ON THE LOOSER OF THE 2 POSITIONS...SHOULD I GO TIGHTER AND EXPECT BELT TO STRETCH A BIT? BRIAN OR JOE - ANY COMMENT?

 

I had the upgraded tensioner an set it for higher tension and ened up breaking it. never threw a belt before it broke though fo 6 mos or so

 

upgrade to the HD belt...jsut add HD to the end of your part number.

also...the maggie HD tensioner is a good call.

are you throwing A/C belts, too?

 

No probs with the AC belt...have the maggie tensioner and I'll get the new HD pulley and the HD belt once I solve this whole prob. R/