so, I really thought this would be easy...

I'm after a serpentine for the 2.8, going down the list at rockauto I want one without air con and it doesn't have the air pump. I get the smallest belt at 82" and its too short, one higher to an 86" and its an inch or so too long. Tried them all kinds of way to no success. I see the Gates listing at 83 1/8 but the code would suggest its another 82". apparently an 84" or 85" won't fit according to guides, rather not spend another 30 quid.
any ideas?

 

Don't look at what's listed for the car. The one listed for mine without a/c wouldn't work. I needed a half inch shorter. Measure what you need with a piece of string and get the matching belt. I believe the last 3 digits tell you how long it is. 900 = 90 inches. 855 = 85 1/2 inches. It worked perfectly for me.