So I have a 305 from an 88 Firebird in my RX-7. Not new to cars but relatively new to GM powerplants. Anyone know what goes/is supposed to go in the bracket with the yellow arrow? I was thinking AC compressor but from what I can tell it sits higher based on google images

 

Smog pump. The AC compressor goes right above it where the delete pulley is now filling it's spot

 

Ahhhhhh ok, thanks for the info!

 

Is there a way to keep the serpentine system but get a different or lower tensioner? As you can see it's the previous owner cut a hole in the hood because of it lol



Tensioner pokes through the hood lol

 

That's pretty much the only tensioner that fits the system. Putting together a bunch of different parts not designed to work together is going to produce challenges such as this. Looks like a few interesting coolant routing issues are going on as well. Good luck with it.

 

That "ear" on the top of the tensioner, with the square hole cast in it, is for releasing the tension on the belts, to make changing it easier / possible. You put a 1/2 drive ratchet in that square hole, and use the ratchet as a lever to pull against the spring in the tensioner.

If you were willing to accept that changing belts / releasing that spring tension is going to be a bear without it, you could cut that ear off.

 

Yeah I figured it was a long shot. While the car does run and drive, I definitely have some rerouting to do to make it more efficient/cleaner

 

Thanks for that info! It definitely would have taken a while to figure out how to release the tension lol.

While a good idea, now that I look at the picture better it's a little deceiving in that more of the tensioner is sticking up though the hood. Couldn't get my phone low enough to capture it. The whole "ear" and spring portion would have to go/move.