Need a new S/C Belt. Who make the best?

 

i think the best 2 around are either the goodyear gatorback or the Gates green-stripe...

 

+1

 

I had the Gatorback on with my 5# lower, but I think I'm going with the Gates when I put on the 8. The Gatorback has diagnal cuts that interupt the contact patch. The analogy I heard was like comparing the traction of a street tire to a slick...(Gates being like the slick with full contact patch).

Herb

 

The guy @ Oriley's said Gates is the #1 belt supplier in the US. Thanks for your input.

 

I like the gator back, it sounds cool.

 

that sounds about right, but using that comparison might not be accurate, a slick uses a softer compound that when heated becomes "sticky". belts dont do that, so maybe it might have a traction improvement with a tread?

 

True - back in the Vortec Mustang days I actually used a chemical compound (like VHT) to increase belt grip at the track coupled with bracket bending manual tensioner settings.

My impression of the Gatorback 'notches' is that it is more for flexibility and longevity rather than maximum grip. Most belts are designed for extended run periods first and not so much grip and frictional coefficeints. These belts happen to work for blowers, but I don't believe they are designed specifically for blowers.

Herb

 

would you still use chemicals on your belt?

 

Gates. Don't like the way the gatorbacks look. I know, I know, I'm ****.

 

I have never heard one, what kind of sound do they make?

 

I ain't like that no more...


Actually no - the stuff was messy and severly reduced the life of the belt - not on my DD anyway.

Herb

 

Gates "Green". They're durable, long lasting and proven. I've had two Gatorbacks, both shredded within 500-600 miles of moderate use, and recently tried the gatorback again and it was knappy within 250 miles. Gates 4Life YO or something...

 

Gatorback = P.O.S. From my experience , one of the worst belts out there. Chunks of the inside fly off. (Take a look at the inside for those who have had one for 5000 miles) We have had better success with the STOCK ribbed belt over the gatorback. Gates green stripe is the best out there by far.You can see the difference by just holding one in your hand. Thicker, more reinforcement fabric in the rubber , and deeper groves. Oh yea...and it grabs like a mother !!

 

As long as your not running a non-slip pully they work great. As for the sound at idle and low rpm's it kind of has a whistle like a centrifical supercharger. Prior to going kenne bell on my cobra i ran one for probably 15,000 miles with no issues.