BLOWER TALK
Thread Starter
4th Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,699
From:
BLOWER TALK
This particular epsiode of 'blower talk'...lol - I'd like to discuss belts; specifically 6 rib versus 8 rib. I get quite a few guys asking me about the need for an 8 rib kit on their cars so I thought maybe we could talk about the real numbers I have experienced...
I'll start with the centrifugal Vortech and Paxton...
I ran the 6 rib kit just fine through 14 psi. Once I jumped to 16 psi, I immediately had problems with the belt and tensioner with my trans. The kickback was where all the tensioner damage occured. (kickback = the spring loaded tensioner releasing or 'kicking back' once you depress the throttle from WOT) My personal opinion is the centrifis don't require an 8 rib at all. At least not through 18 psi IMO. I think an 8 rib kit will do nothing for you and do to the design of the centrifi serpentine, I think the 6 is going to be just as good (in fact BETTER IMO) than the 8 rib.
KB - My personal opinon is the KB is fine through 14 psi on the 6 rib and an 8 rib should be put on once you pass that. The issue with the belts are usually related to the tensioner. Make sure you have Peter or Adam's tensioner, and you are fine through 14 psi IMO. After 14, I really think the 8 is in order. Some guys (myself included) also had issues with the idler pulley breaking once some big boost was put into play. If that is your issue, then a simple solution is to use a tensioner pulley in the idler spot...
Whipple - The whipple serpentine is a little bit different than the KB and I actually feel the need on the whipple is warranted a little earlier. I like the 6 rib through 10 psi but 12+, I have noticed more slip on the whipple than the KB and would say after 10, it's time to go with an 8 rib IMO.
Saleen - The Saleen seemed to respnd about the same as the whipple and I like the same numbers for it (going 8 rib after 10 psi)
The real secret if you are experiencing belt issues now with less boost than I have stated above it is actually more likely to be the TENSIONER. Even if you're not outright bending the tensioner, the stock tensioner is a POS and gives (especially on decel) and sometimes even though it doesn't exactly bend or break, it can give enough to cause the belt to slip to the side and then slipo itself out of the grooves on other pullies and then toss itself.
My best recommendation to blower guys is to first and foremost look into the monster tensioners from Adam (ST Motorsports) or Peter (thumprrr) if you are having issues with belts on your 6 rib set-ups before considering going to an 8 rib (unless of course you are in the higher boost levels - then you need both)
I'll start with the centrifugal Vortech and Paxton...
I ran the 6 rib kit just fine through 14 psi. Once I jumped to 16 psi, I immediately had problems with the belt and tensioner with my trans. The kickback was where all the tensioner damage occured. (kickback = the spring loaded tensioner releasing or 'kicking back' once you depress the throttle from WOT) My personal opinion is the centrifis don't require an 8 rib at all. At least not through 18 psi IMO. I think an 8 rib kit will do nothing for you and do to the design of the centrifi serpentine, I think the 6 is going to be just as good (in fact BETTER IMO) than the 8 rib.
KB - My personal opinon is the KB is fine through 14 psi on the 6 rib and an 8 rib should be put on once you pass that. The issue with the belts are usually related to the tensioner. Make sure you have Peter or Adam's tensioner, and you are fine through 14 psi IMO. After 14, I really think the 8 is in order. Some guys (myself included) also had issues with the idler pulley breaking once some big boost was put into play. If that is your issue, then a simple solution is to use a tensioner pulley in the idler spot...
Whipple - The whipple serpentine is a little bit different than the KB and I actually feel the need on the whipple is warranted a little earlier. I like the 6 rib through 10 psi but 12+, I have noticed more slip on the whipple than the KB and would say after 10, it's time to go with an 8 rib IMO.
Saleen - The Saleen seemed to respnd about the same as the whipple and I like the same numbers for it (going 8 rib after 10 psi)
The real secret if you are experiencing belt issues now with less boost than I have stated above it is actually more likely to be the TENSIONER. Even if you're not outright bending the tensioner, the stock tensioner is a POS and gives (especially on decel) and sometimes even though it doesn't exactly bend or break, it can give enough to cause the belt to slip to the side and then slipo itself out of the grooves on other pullies and then toss itself.
My best recommendation to blower guys is to first and foremost look into the monster tensioners from Adam (ST Motorsports) or Peter (thumprrr) if you are having issues with belts on your 6 rib set-ups before considering going to an 8 rib (unless of course you are in the higher boost levels - then you need both)
4th Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,062
From:
RE: BLOWER TALK
A Thumprrr tensioner is on the list of things to get in the summer. Once the engine is built (next year?? Damn money pit
) and I go to 12+ psi, I'll swap for 8 rib. Its just a smart thing to do.
) and I go to 12+ psi, I'll swap for 8 rib. Its just a smart thing to do.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 265
From: CLEVELAND, OHIO
RE: BLOWER TALK
Would it be a good idea to just get the Thumprr tensioner and install it with the blower at first so I don't run into these problems?? I plan on getting the Whipple H.O. pretty soon and would like to know. the 10 psi one.
Multi-Tasking Moderator!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15,618
From: Detroit Rock City!
RE: BLOWER TALK
I have belt slippage with the whipple registering 11psi on WOT (in fourth). I do feel the slip in the first 2-3 gears and have the 6 belt system so from your opinios I should get the 8-rib? I was thinking about doing this and just thought it would be a great upgrade. So the obvious benefit for doing this is more consistent launch and WOT runs allowing use of your boost capabilities. Makes sense but enlighten me if I am wrong. Thanks J
6th Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,278
From: Gainesville, FL
RE: BLOWER TALK
ORIGINAL: davesiar
Would it be a good idea to just get the Thumprr tensioner and install it with the blower at first so I don't run into these problems?? I plan on getting the Whipple H.O. pretty soon and would like to know. the 10 psi one.
Would it be a good idea to just get the Thumprr tensioner and install it with the blower at first so I don't run into these problems?? I plan on getting the Whipple H.O. pretty soon and would like to know. the 10 psi one.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,276
From: Orlando, FL
RE: BLOWER TALK
ORIGINAL: moosestang
If you have an extra $350 i'd do it, but it's not necessary. I've had no belt issues.
ORIGINAL: davesiar
Would it be a good idea to just get the Thumprr tensioner and install it with the blower at first so I don't run into these problems?? I plan on getting the Whipple H.O. pretty soon and would like to know. the 10 psi one.
Would it be a good idea to just get the Thumprr tensioner and install it with the blower at first so I don't run into these problems?? I plan on getting the Whipple H.O. pretty soon and would like to know. the 10 psi one.
I do think it should be on the list to get if you can afford it. I plan on getting one within the year after my install. I just need to give the credit card a rest.
It is one of things that I think you should be better safe than sorry.
But I would say focus on bigger things like suspension and stuff before you worry about the tensioner.
I plan on running the 3.6 pulley for a while so I hope the extra area will limit my belt slip.