Vortech LT1 owners, easier belt change suggestions?

XTwinTurbo · 05-13-2004, 01:38 AM

Well my supercharger belt is starting to let go again, about 4 months or < 600 miles of driving on the current one so it looks like another belt change. It's a pain to change belts on the LT1 Vortech install which requires removal of the entire blower assembly (4-6 hours). What do you think of the following;

What do you think will happen if I cut back the center riser on the Vortech mount once I remove it? (Talking about center one that blocks belt from being removed) This will allow belt changes without remove the entire assembly.

Will I weaken the mount and have a catorstorphic failure or is the assembly strong enough to survive? Other suggestions?

Picture of mount located on page 22 of installation manual (labeled page12)-->
http://www.vortechsuperchargers.com/...s/4gv020im.pdf

[Modified by XTwinTurbo, 11:41 PM 5/12/2004]

[Modified by XTwinTurbo, 11:42 PM 5/12/2004]

Mo_Bandy · 05-14-2004, 03:02 AM

I feel your pain....

I guess they figure "noone" would ever need to change the belts. Getting to the tensioner alone is a royal pain in the neck...

That is a thought.. or even better... that if you were to cut it re drill and tap it... then run the bolt back in with a spacer so that you retain the structural riggiity? ( Since you will have to pull it any ways....

Are you sure you are using the correct belt? Mine is running strong... what pulley are you using? 3.125 ?

regards,

Mo

XTwinTurbo · 05-14-2004, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Are you sure you are using the correct belt? Mine is running strong... what pulley are you using? 3.125 ?

Thanks Mo, I may try cutting down the riser and will post results if the bracket doesn't fail on me. (Will give it more thought)

I'm running a 2.67" blower pulley and that's probably why the belt doesn't last as long because of the lower surface area. I did manually calculate the belt length so if you have another recommendation that may be helpful. (Gatorback 50.5" belt)

[Modified by XTwinTurbo, 8:51 AM 5/14/2004]

tjwong · 05-14-2004, 11:17 AM

I have redesigned their mounting bracket by shortening that stand off, adding a 2.125" idler pulley there and adding a longer belt for the additional run length. I haven't installed it in my car yet as it is part of my T trim/intercooler installation this summer. But it appears that its going to fit without any problems. It will make belt changes a 10 minute job versus a nasty 2 or 3 hour job that includes dumping antifreeze and getting oil on the floor

Vortech take note you dumba**es

I tried to sell them my design but they didn't care to talk to me about it at SEMA.

Bruce · 05-14-2004, 03:30 PM

Me to. I now able to change the belt without remove the blower (Procharger). Redesign is always better.

Bruce

XTwinTurbo · 05-14-2004, 05:57 PM

tjwong,

Any concerns about structural rigidity? The blower will now be held on by 3 bolts instead of 4.

Also, any reason to add the addition idler pulley? If it doesn't add to the bracket support is the thought just for added surface contact on the blower drive?

Kudo's on the thought and if anyone asks I'll let them know you came up with it first.

TONYDEE64 · 05-14-2004, 05:58 PM

Tom, you should apply for a patent on your idea!!!

And BTW, if you want to talk about changing blower belts.... well, let's just say it isn't exactly easy on my home grown setup...

[Modified by TONYDEE64, 4:59 PM 5/14/2004]

Mo_Bandy · 05-14-2004, 08:51 PM

Guys,

Please keep me posted! I would buy a solution...

Mo

tjwong · 05-14-2004, 11:18 PM

The bolt is there, just because I added a idler pulley doesn't mean I sacrificed structural integrity

What I did was, shortened the stand off to accept a the idler, at the same time I drilled and tapped and had the stand off shaped to accept the bearing properly. Then I added an additional spacer and a long bolt is inserted from the blower bracket, through the spacer, bearings and is tightened down onto the original point which is not shorter. The structure is still sound and all the retaining bolts are in place.

I had the second idler there becaus instead of the belt going around that stand off as before, it now has an idler there to guide the belt on the inside of the framing. Give me some time I will post a drawing of the belt run so you can see what I mean

It works, well I hope it works like I said it isn't on the car yet but I mocked it up on my spare engine and it works there

XTwinTurbo · 05-15-2004, 03:22 AM

Thanks for clear description tjwong. I think I understand it.

EDIT: Duh! I get it tjwong. The idler moves the belt around the center riser so you don't have to remove the mount to change belts. Excuse my questions.

[Modified by XTwinTurbo, 8:41 AM 5/17/2004]