M16er
New Member
Something to share about those Gilmer Belt Drive Kits you see. I had noticed the water pump pulley on mine looked like it had a wobble to the pulley. So I start looking around looking for something different. I find the Gilmer kits using the 1 1/2 belts. Awesome looking, got one in and mounted it up..... dang... the 40.5 inch belt sent with the kit is too long. Also, the SBC with Short Water Pump kit, the crank pulley didn't line up at all. I used a LWP Spacer, that got it in line with the top pulley.
They offer a 39 inch belt...... get it in.... still too long. I measure around the pulleys and come up with 38 inches. Maybe it's the alternator bracket mount. 11 inches from center of crank to frame. Not much room to move the alternator. The old bracket curved over the top, maybe the one that curves under the bottom will work. Get that in. No dice. Start doing some research and find out Pro Comp makes the kits. I call them up and talk to one of their guys who tells me they make a 36.7 inch belt. I get that in.....too SHORT!
Dang! Whats a guy to do!? Start looking for Low Mount alternator brackets. I stumble across Alan Grove brackets. Hmmmm, that 207L looks different. Call a couple places on their dealers list. Sachse Rod Shop answers their phone, and has one in stock! On the opposite side of the metroplex, but WTH, not doing anything today anyway.
I get there, and very friendly, lots of items in their showroom too. Even took me into the back to look at vehicles they are currently working on. I walked out with more than the bracket I went for!
Got home, mounted the bracket up, did a test fit..... the short belt, still short! Tried the 39 inch belt.... BINGO! I had to do a slight mod to the adjustment bracket. It was hitting a spot on the alternator.
Now I will take it off and run the parts somewhere to have them polished and chrome plated.
I don't know if any others have tried or used these Gilmer kits before, but offering my findings so others will know what to look for. I'll post a pic when I get the chance.
They offer a 39 inch belt...... get it in.... still too long. I measure around the pulleys and come up with 38 inches. Maybe it's the alternator bracket mount. 11 inches from center of crank to frame. Not much room to move the alternator. The old bracket curved over the top, maybe the one that curves under the bottom will work. Get that in. No dice. Start doing some research and find out Pro Comp makes the kits. I call them up and talk to one of their guys who tells me they make a 36.7 inch belt. I get that in.....too SHORT!
Dang! Whats a guy to do!? Start looking for Low Mount alternator brackets. I stumble across Alan Grove brackets. Hmmmm, that 207L looks different. Call a couple places on their dealers list. Sachse Rod Shop answers their phone, and has one in stock! On the opposite side of the metroplex, but WTH, not doing anything today anyway.
I get there, and very friendly, lots of items in their showroom too. Even took me into the back to look at vehicles they are currently working on. I walked out with more than the bracket I went for!
Got home, mounted the bracket up, did a test fit..... the short belt, still short! Tried the 39 inch belt.... BINGO! I had to do a slight mod to the adjustment bracket. It was hitting a spot on the alternator.
Now I will take it off and run the parts somewhere to have them polished and chrome plated.
I don't know if any others have tried or used these Gilmer kits before, but offering my findings so others will know what to look for. I'll post a pic when I get the chance.
