I broke a tensioner this morning.

Of course, it was because I left a 1/2" ratchet in the front of the tensioner and the belt wrapped around it when I started it, but that's not the point.

Buy a better tensioner. Ha!

Seriously though, I think the reason you'd want a new tensioner is because when you start making a bunch of power, it puts a lot more stress on the belt and pulley system. Remember, that 500+ HP you're making is spinning the crank harder.

That causes a weak tensioner to bend, and eventually break.

Again, that's assuming you're not as dumb as me.

 

My tensioner sheered in two pieces just after I installed the 550 kit. My gf popped the clutch after me debating on whether or not I should let her drive it and crack there it went. I installed saleen's that they have on the xtreme and no problems since. Of course the gf doesn't drive it anymore lol

 

I was having problems with belt slippage. Not only was my boost gage all over but you could hear a sweeking noise from the twisting of the stock tensioner under load. Especially when letting off the gas.

I called JDM and they sold me the Roush Tensioner. Because I have the 3.4 pully I ended up having to switch to the Goodyear Gatorback 108 inch belt because the Gates 107.5 inch belt was to tight. It did help my slipping problem.

 

You guys want a good tensioner? This is a tensioner!

http://www.thump-rrrracing.com/Parts.html

 

no kidden, that looks like one helluva tensioner!

mike

 

Its nice, but WAY overpriced.

Steeda has basically the same thing for less than 175 bucks.

 

I know this is not cheap. Steeda's is a welded piece added to a stock tensioner, I believe, not billet aluminum no welds. Probably a little over-kill except for the extreme horsepower applications. I believe JDM is uses them.

 

JDM is where I bought the Roush tensioner. Jim at JDM told me he thinks the Steeda was a reinforced stock tensioner. The stock tensioner spring has much less spring force than the Roush tensioner. The extra spring tension is supposed to help keep the belt from slipping.