Paxton Supercharger + accessory drive belt issue?

[Boss 351]

Hi all, I'm having an issue with the accessory drive. This is for an 86 GT with smog and no AC (factory). Previous owner removed the anchor pin from the tensioner and installed it upwards so the belt was routed ABOVE the pulley not below it. I have to admit I didn't have an issue with it this way, at least not mechanically but the belt wasn't routed properly as it was rubbing on the alternator plastic shield and a little on the tensioner itself.

So being the fool that I am, I got a new belt and routed it properly. Much like the middle row, right column as illustrated below. I got the stock 86" belt (according to part source anyway). The belt was tight to put on, not much slack. But I also put the tensioner where it should be, pushing down on the belt not pulling up.

My issue is: There's very little room where the belt "meets itself" above the water pump and tensioner pulley. I have about 1/4" between that area. With that being the case, I can't load the belt like it normally would, the tension indicator is at zero. The thing is, I can't really move the power steering by hand, nor can I move the alternator or smog. The water pump however I can move it clockwise (not super easy) but I can't move it counter-clockwise.



looks almost as bad as this:

Here's what it used to look like:
View attachment 181444

Many thanks

 

[Cobra912]

I had the 1220SL what water pump pulley are you using?

 

[Boss 351]

I'm not sure, it looks like it has an underdrive pulley setup which I think has a bigger water pump pulley?

 

[Boss 351]

Do you guys know how much tension is needed?

 

[90bluecoupe]

i just put a vortech on and had the same problem, you need to space the alternator stay bracket down. I put washers inbetween the smog pump and the alternator stay you will also need a longer bolt.when you do this it will move the alternator down putting more tension on the belt, the more washers the more tension. hope this helps

 

[Boss 351]

i just put a vortech on and had the same problem, you need to space the alternator stay bracket down. I put washers inbetween the smog pump and the alternator stay you will also need a longer bolt.when you do this it will move the alternator down putting more tension on the belt, the more washers the more tension. hope this helps

Cool! Thanks man, that helps, I'll play with that later. I figured out the kit was first designed for cars with AC, at least from what I gather on various message boards.