A/C Compressor stock mount

[First c10]

Hello All,
I have a question regarding the A/C Belt on my 2008 4.8 LY2 that I purchased for my sons 68 K10.

The LY2 does have a A/C Belt tensioner. Can it be removed to the type without the tensioner just by changing the belt? or is the tensioner the better route???

The 2011 LC9 on my others sons truck 70 C10 had an A/C Belt with NO tensioner (theirs a word for it but I cant remember)
Thanks
Scott

[ls1nova71]

Why do you want to change it? In my opinion, the tensioner type is better, I think GM deleting it is a way to save a nickel... I know the 'stretch to fit' belt has a very specific 'stretch' to it, so your compressor and crank pulley would have to be the same as the newer style, and the distance the compressor is from the block has to be the same too, so I don't think you can just remove the tensioner. I know that too little stretch on the belt and the compressor will slip when it first engages, and too much stretch on the belt and it will eat itself in a few thousand miles.

[BigRed76]

^^^ ls1nova71 hit the nail right on the head, its not as simple as just removing the tensioner and installing a stretch fit belt. If your a/c belt tensioner is working properly you'll never have any issues with that setup. To avoid headaches I'd stick with the setup that came on the engine.

On a different note, obviously you're planning on leaving the a/c compressor in the stock location, I'm curious as to what your plan is to make it fit as far as motor mount setup, notching frame, etc....

[First c10]

I am sure the stock tensioner will be fine but I thought I would ask. I really could not tell the difference between the mounting brackets or the compressor. I was thinking of looking at the 2 belts just to see the difference.
I plan to use the stock compressor and location if I can just going to have it connect to a Ols Air or Vintage Air unit
. I was able to use the stock compressor on the C10 and connect it to the stock a/c system. I did have to make a custom tube to connect a custom ac hose to make it work. Works great 2011 compressor in/on a 1970 ac system.

[dayj1]

Originally Posted by BigRed76

^^^ ls1nova71 hit the nail right on the head, its not as simple as just removing the tensioner and installing a stretch fit belt.

Actually, it is that simple. The part number of the A/C bracket is the same on engines with and without the stretch fit belt. I put a 5.3 in my '57 BelAir and the crossmember clearance is extremely close and must be notched for the stock low mount compressor. I actually trimmed the tensioner mounting boss of the bracket for max clearance and replaced the belt with a stretch fit version.

I'm not arguing that one way is better than another, but if you need the extra clearance you get with no tensioner, it will work.

This picture is without the belt:



And an overall view with the belt:

[First c10]

Great info.
I am going to have to study this picture. I will be doing my 56 chevy bel air post once I am done with my boys trucks

[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by dayj1

Actually, it is that simple. The part number of the A/C bracket is the same on engines with and without the stretch fit belt. I put a 5.3 in my '57 BelAir and the crossmember clearance is extremely close and must be notched for the stock low mount compressor. I actually trimmed the tensioner mounting boss of the bracket for max clearance and replaced the belt with a stretch fit version.

I'm not arguing that one way is better than another, but if you need the extra clearance you get with no tensioner, it will work.

This picture is without the belt:



And an overall view with the belt:

Hmm...I could've swore that the a/c compressors I've seen with the stretch fit belt didn't have the bolt holes for a tensioner, but I've only seen them on 6.2's so far.

[BigRed76]

Insert foot in mouth now...I found a pic of one I worked on a while back, this was a 6.2 with a stretch fit a/c compressor belt and that mounting bracket does have the bolt holes for the tensioner...

[dayj1]

Originally Posted by BigRed76

Insert foot in mouth now...I found a pic of one I worked on a while back, this was a 6.2 with a stretch fit a/c compressor belt and that mounting bracket does have the bolt holes for the tensioner...

It's all good. Funny that you should mention the 6.2 bracket. I tried that on my '57 as well, but the truck bracket provided better clearance because the 6.2 bracket is a little further outboard. Here's the 6.2 bracket for reference:

[First c10]

This is a front as sorry drive from my sons 2011 LC9 if you look closely you can see the holes for the tensioner. I never noticed until you guys posted about it.