DeTomaso Mailing List: May 99, Message #82

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Rick,
Several years ago Steve Wilkinson had a complete serpentine belt system
to fit the Pantera. I don't know if he is still selling them or not. As
for the gilmer drive that Hall sells, I suggest you look closely at the
picture and note that even with the alternator at the end of it's
adjustment the belt is quite loose. George Hall (former Capitol Pantera
owner) purchased this setup and had to have an added piece heliarced on
to the alternator mount to make it work. Ask George P. for Ted Whitings
phone number. He did the installation of this set up. I don't recall
that it was real noisey but you definitely could hear it. I believe that
it was more noticeable at lower speeds, probably outran the sound at
faster speeds. Emanual has the car now i believe. You might talk to him.
I think George P. has his number also.
-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------

Date: Tuesday, 04-May-99 09:44 PM

From: Moseley                  \ Internet:    (moseleya@pacbell.net)
To:   pantera forum            \ Internet:    (detomaso@realbig.com)

Subject: Belt Drives

Hoping for someone with personal experience/exposure here.

I know I have an alternator that is mechanically failing (noisy,
probably due to bushings, possibly the original unit).  Output is OK,
but needs rebuilding or replacing, imminent failure.....  Likewise I
have the stock York piston compressor that I can't wait to change out to
a rotary..... Last but not least, my car is being painted and I opted to
have the front radiator bay painted so the rad is out and the cooling
system be empty (sorry, my best attempt at street speak). So my point is
that pulling the waterpump at this point would be relatively painless
too.  Its replacement a consideration due to unknown age.  I've only had
the car 10 months.

All these factors tell me now would be the best time to convert to a
single belt drive system if I'm going to do that.  I've seen two
different, the Jezel and the Gilmer, kits available.  I believe the Hall
kit is a Gilmer and comes with the rotary compressor and alternator with
the correct cogged pulleys, so it might be a best fit to my situation. 
While I understand the benefits of the single cogged belt, I've heard 
(no pun intended) they are noisy.    Can anyone elaborate on this?  How
noisy?  As bad as a traditional gear driven cam? Noisy at low speed but
quiet at high speed or vice-versa or just always noisy??  If you have
one, how do you like it anyway?  Would you do it again?   Should I file
this away with some of my other brainless ideas???

Rick
#6653




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