I have a 1989 Firebird with 350 tpi. And i was wondering why do i need a longer belt(986k6) if i am taking my smog pump off. Do i need a longer belt or shorter and i did read the tech article and iam confused.

 

It takes a longer belt, I have a under drive crank pulley and I centered the tensioner in it's travel and used a piece of string to get me close on the length. And I still had to make about 4 trips back and forth to the parts place before I got the right one, 1" length makes a big difference, seems like I ended up with about a 94" or 95" belt.

 

Thanks man but iam still confused if i should buy a shorter one, like a 93.5 because wouldnt it make sense to do that since iam taking a pulley off. I know you have to route the belt a different way and did get off this website. Under crank over water under power steering over alternator and finally over the a/c compressor. If this correct maybe iam getting somewhere. As this demonstrates. But, the tech article says i need a 98.6.

 

The difference in the length is because you are changing the routing, and thus changing the length. Without the SP, the belt wraps differently, taking a longer path.

HOWEVER - I found that with mine, I needed an entirely different size than was listed in the tech article. You'll have to play with a few maybe to get your desired length, routing, and tension.

 

I have removed the smog pump on my 89 RS, the belt # for gates is K060980, i had to re route the belt of course.

 

Thanks i found out that the belt you list is 98 5/8 in. long. Which is close to the tech articles 98.6 in. If your 89 RS has a 350 then it should be a perfect match, correct?

 

I have a 383 with carb, was tbi, I believe the serp system is the same as tpi that i know of.

 

Thanks man i just picked up a belt that is 96.7 in. at AutoZone and i will give a shot tomorrow and i will let you guys know how it turns out.

 

I tried to take the pulley off, but one of the three bolts is stuck and it wont come out so i just installed everything back on i guess i will have to live with my smog pump. I left the belt on and tried to take the bolt out but their isnt enough tension on the pulley to keep it still. Any suggestions would be great.

 

Wait untill the pump locks up tight and melts a belt into, then the pulley will be tight and the screws will come out easy. Thats what happened to me anyway. Or find a big strap wrench to hold the pulley.

 

Thanks guys i finally got the dumb@#$ thing off. I was about to strip out those Torx bolts but i hammered my Torx socket in it and finally got it off man im i lucky that could have been really bad. Why does GM have to use those dumb star bolts they really **** me off. Anyways thanks and should find a right belt for that thing as 98.6 was too long and 96 was too short im going to hit right in the middle. THANKS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS