I was going to add this mini-review to my 2.8 V6 Belt Tensioner Project thread, but it's been archived. If you read that thread, you'll see that I adapted a spring-loaded belt tensioner onto my Fiero V6. Unfortunately, my home-made mounting bracket was not up to the task.

Coincidentally, PFF member Dodgerunner was working on a similar project, using a sturdier mounting bracket. When he offered to sell me one, I couldn't resist. It saved me a lot of work.

His belt tensioner bracket is a 2-piece unit, designed to be installed without disconnecting the motor mount or jacking up the engine. Although, you'll still need to remove the passenger side rear wheel, along with the rubber splash guard. Installation instructions are on Dodgerunner's website.

This first photo shows the parts that went into the project: a 5-rib 45" long belt, a belt tensioner from a FWD 60° V6 (including its mounting bolt), and Dodgerunner's bracket.



Here are some photos of the installation process. You're looking into the engine bay through the empty wheel well. Please excuse my dusty engine. It's the dry season here.





This last photo shows the new belt installed. My preferred method is to setup the belt on all the pulleys except the water pump, then slip it onto the water pump last. The water pump pulley is pretty easy to reach, which IMO makes it easier.



Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with this tensioner bracket. Installation was relatively painless, and only took about 30 minutes. No special tools were required. And I didn't need to modify anything. The design and construction of the bracket seem to be very sturdy. My only complaint would be the paint. It appears to have been painted in a hurry, and packaged before the paint fully cured. But this isn't a show car. So I'm not worried about it.

Oh, and if this tensioner bracket ever fails, I'll make sure to mention it.

wow that tensioner is perfect for my 60v6 supercharger project.

Very creative!

Just wanted to add that I finally got the time to install Dodgerunner's belt tensioner and bracket. I was originally going to mount in on my 86 daily driver, but instead installed in on my 88 since I had to change the alternator anyway. I'm very impressed and satisfied with the way it was engineered and made, and the way it operates. LOL...took me a little longer than 30 mins to install, but once everything is bolted tight, that bracket is no kidding, rock solid. The nice thing about it...once I got the bracket and tensioner installed, it only took a whole 5 minutes to put the belt on! No more squeeling, and it's nice to know that there's a whole lot less tension on the alternator and water pump pullies.

Nice job Dodgerunner, I'll be ordering another soon (ha...as soon as I can recover from purchasing the 88!!)

Tom

bump!

Looks like a nice product but I've never expereinced belt slippage on my 3.4L. I've found that if you use a Goodyear Gatorback belt and tension it properly, they work fine. However, if you use the cheap Indian or Chinese belts they will slip like crazy and squeel all day long.

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87GT 3.4 Turbo- 0-60 5.2 seconds
2006 3800SC Series III swap in progress
Engine Controls, PCM goodies,
re-programming & odd electronics stuff
" I'M ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

my 3.4 swap squeals quite a bit upon acceleration. what is he asking for these brackets???

All the info is here:
http://www.geocities.com/my..._files/page0002.html

I'll add to this, as I installed my kit last weekend.

I followed the instructions Dodgerunner provides, and while it took me better than 30 minutes to install as well (I took my time- the work area is pretty tight) it was relatively stress-free.

I only had one small problem, bolting the two pieces of the bracket together; I had to loosen the top motor mount bolt a bit and lever the plate out a little (by hand) to start the bolt. Once the bolt was in and snugged to the suggested point I retightened the top mount bolt again. Everything else was as expected, and the slight misadjustment during install caused no problem with the final placement of the belt on the idler pulley.

Installation of the new belt on the new setup took all of about 45 seconds. I buttoned everything back up and took it for a test run (45 miles at 70-80 mph). Beauty! My belt needed replacing anyway, but now there's no squeal on startup and less noise at idle. I'm looking forward to not having to adjust anything and having the belt last longer.

Dodgerunner was great to work with, the kit is comprised of quality components, the bracket is well made and installs/performs as advertised. I recommend the upgrade.

-fh

edited cuz I kaint sppel.

[This message has been edited by fierohobby (edited 07-12-2007).]

quote Originally posted by Blacktree: This first photo shows the parts that went into the project: a 5-rib 45" long belt, a belt tensioner from a FWD 60° V6 (including its mounting bolt), and Dodgerunner's bracket.

I have this belt tensionner, from my fwd 3400 V6 (Grand Am). But the pulley is ribbed. Where did you take this flat pulley? or did you machined it ?


Edit: Ok...Ive got to the DodgeRunner website and saw the list. The 2003 3400 Grand Am is not included in this...the ribbed pulley that probably the reason. I will have to go to the scrapyard again to pull a unribbed flat pulley.

[This message has been edited by perry rhodan (edited 07-13-2007).]

Look for a FWD car with a 2.8 or 3.1 (late 80s to late 90s, I think). Those will have the smooth pulley.

Well, I finally installed the tensioner kit from Dodgerunner. It worker without flaw. Instructions were great. The only part that was difficult was getting the ratchet off of the tensioner after the belt was installed because of the insulation on the wheel well. Probably should of used a thinner ratchet. All bolts went right in. Great job Dodgerunner !!!!!

If anyone wants a free tensioner (as pictured) lemme know, I accidently bought the wrong one for my 3800 project and would hate for it to get thrown away or never used.

I'll take it if you don't want it! Thanks.

Good packaging and fast shipping to Canada.



Good product and parts (though I agree with a previous comment that the bracket paint can be improved).



And a few hours later...



Installed, and working great
Thanks Dodgerunner, job well done

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