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DodgeRunner V6 Belt Tensioner |
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Overall: Excellent Product, V6 Fiero's should have been built this way
I have just completed installation of the Fiero V6 Belt Tensioner made by DodgeRunner. His custom-made bracket is very easy to install, and provides a huge improvement over the stock system. Where the stock system forces you to tighten the belt by cranking down on the alternator, his bracket allows you to use a longer belt along with a spring-loaded tensioner. The alternator is fixed in place, belt wrap on the drive and alternator pulleys is greatly improved, and belt squeal is eliminated. The only downside is installing the belt seems to be slightly more difficult, though I imagine this will be offset by reduced belt wear and no longer needing to tighten the belt.
Product Page:
http://www.geocities.com/mycarsr/Fiero1_files/page0002.html
Here are all the parts gathered prior to the install:
The metal bracket in the middle is the part fabricated by DodgeRunner, it bolts directly onto the engine with existing hardware and requires no modification. DodgeRunner also offers as kit, where a tensioner and belt are included. I purchased my own, and as such it is somewhat different from the one in his kit but functionally the same. I also purchased some medium strength threadlocker, two of the bolts we will be removing are part of the engine mount.
The installation directions are available from his site here, Installation Directions , I highly recommend downloading the PDF version available on that page, it is much clearer and prints out well.
Follow his directions and collect all the tools needed before you begin and the install should go smoothly and quickly.
The following are not directions, simply a review of the install. It is important you precisely follow DodgeRunners directions.The bracket itself fits perfectly, bolting on using the motor mount bolts. The arm off the backet holds the alternator into the correct position. If your bolts come out easily, this only takes a few minutes to do.
If you use DodgeRunner's tensioner as well, it is easier to install is you can pre-load it somewhat to clear the drive pulley. With my Gates tensioner I had to partially bolt it on then rotate the base to properly match the install location.
I found installing the belt to actually be somewhat more difficult, the brand new belt does not leave much room to work with. I found the easiest way was to get the belt on all the engine pulleys first, then loosen the tensioner and push the belt onto the tensioner pulley
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