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Tech: Billet GT500 Belt Tensioner

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By EditorTurner

Tech: Billet GT500 Belt Tensioner

Tighten Your Belt

Maintain big boost without belt slip thanks to VMP’s billet GT500 tensioner

By Steve Turner

Owners of 2007-2014 Shelby GT500s know how easy it is to build power with these cars. Just add a smaller blower pulley, open up the inlet, add a custom calibration and the gains are huge. As you start to push harder with smaller pulleys, more rpm, and such the factory belt tensioner is put in a bad spot.

It’s a shame that VMP’s billet beauty (PN VMPGT500HDT; $399.99) disappears down into the FEAD where it isn’t too visible. However, with a more rugged construction and a 20-percent stiffer spring, it will reduce belt slip and eliminate potential failure. It is available with either a 75mm or 90mm idler pulley depending to accommodate your belt length.
It’s a shame that VMP’s billet beauty (PN VMPGT500HDT; $399.99) disappears down into the FEAD where it isn’t too visible. However, with a more rugged construction and a 20-percent stiffer spring, it will reduce belt slip and eliminate potential failure. It is available with either a 75mm or 90mm idler pulley to accommodate your belt length.

When you bang through the gears, the on-and-off load puts a lot of strain on the factory’s cast, spring-loaded unit. Over time the stock unit can weaken and in some cases it can even fail. Such failure can wreak havoc in your engine compartment. Even if the tensioner doesn’t give out, the excess movement allowed by a worn or overwhelmed stock unit can lead to belt failure.

For the full story, click here to visit the thread on our forum.

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