Power steering & alternator belt suggestions

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by Brett Slater, Apr 10, 2017.

  1. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    I'll be replacing both of these soon.

    What's the best replacements for a stock 70 455? Also, the ignition is getting converted to Pertronix, so which plugs do people use for the best results?

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Schurkey

    Schurkey Silver Level contributor

    I installed a lot of Gates belts; I also installed a lot of Dayco "Top Cog" units, but that was a long time ago. Some folks like 'em, some folks hate 'em.

    I don't think the brand of belt makes much difference, as long as the WIDTH and LENGTH and TENSION are correct. With regard to tension, Gates (sold at NAPA and a thousand other places) and Dayco both sell a "Krikit" belt-tension tester for V-belts (and a Krikit II tension tester for serpentine belts.) Belt tension recommendations can be found here:

    http://www.daycoproducts.com/stuff/...lt_tension_recommendations__rev._4.18.13_.pdf

    Given a choice, if I remember to think about it, I will opt for a belt that has the cords in the top third of the construction, instead of in the middle. Cords-in-the-middle belts are low-budget. Cords in the top third cost more to make but tend to be stronger.

    Most all premature belt-failure problems are incorrect pulley alignment, un-usable pulley condition, incorrect tension, and incorrect belt selection. There's a few "premature" belt failures that involve excessive loading--the A/C compressor locks-up. I suppose in today's aftermarket, some premature failures are caused by shitty imported (Chinese, Vietnamese, etc.) belts.

    WHAT do you mean by "Pertronix"? That company makes multiple products that you could be talking about. Most of them over-priced and under-performing.
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2017
  3. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Thanks!

    I'm going to switch the points over to the Pertronix ignition. I've seen the reviews online and will deal with any issues as needed. It's not a race car and I plan to use that ignition more so for dependability.
     
  4. Schurkey

    Schurkey Silver Level contributor

    Exactly my point. There's a Pertronix I, Pertronix 2, and Pertronix 3 points-conversion systems, among other systems. WHICH ONE are you selecting?
    http://www.pertronix.com/

    As you've probably figured out, I'm no fan of Pertronix. You want "dependability", you want a Delco HEI in good condition, calibrated for your vehicle.
     
  5. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    The ignitor.
     
  6. Ken Warner

    Ken Warner Stand-up Philosopher

    I've been a fan of Dayco Topcogs for about 30 years. Especially on the AC compressor as those puppies are long and throw easy when you wind up close to 6K RPM.

    For an ignition conversion I think you will find people like the Lectric Ltd or the Crane units pretty well with a lot of dissatisfied people that used to own Pertronix commenting if they feel like posting.

    As for plugs if your still have iron heads I vote AC. Depending on your combo you will probably end up with like an R44TS OR R45TS but please look around and don't take my word alone on the plugs.
     
  7. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    I see the Crane units listed for Pontiac. I'm assuming they're universal for all GM distributors?
     
  8. john.schaefer77

    john.schaefer77 Well-Known Member

    I have had good luck with Rock Auto. I go to the belts and look at the closeouts and I found Napa, Goodyear and Gates. I got Gates about 3 years ago for less than $2 a piece on closeout. I just ordered some other stuff to kill the shipping.
     
  9. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    I just got my intake gasket from Rock Auto. Decent pricing and super fast shipping.

    I'll look into the belts as well.
     
  10. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    are points unreliable or do people dislike the maintenance required with them? I've never had an issue with mine, and i drive mine more than most..
     
  11. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    I mean, the factory churned them out for years, so I guess they can't be that bad but if upgrades are available, why not?

    I guess it's up to personal preference.
     
  12. john.schaefer77

    john.schaefer77 Well-Known Member

    I run a stinger bit keep a points distributor in my tool box just in case.
     
    Brett Slater likes this.
  13. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    I had a complete Stinger set-up that I sold a few years ago. I'm kicking myself now but what can you do?
     
  14. john.schaefer77

    john.schaefer77 Well-Known Member

    There is one on Ebay right now with the distributor. I think $200-250, I was looking, but too rich for my blood.
     
    Brett Slater likes this.
  15. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Hmmmm.....

    That would be a much better deal if the coil was included. That shipping price is ridiculous. No way it cost that much to ship unless you load up on insurance.
     
  16. john.schaefer77

    john.schaefer77 Well-Known Member

    I would send you the link but I cannot go on Ebay on my Gov't computer (blocked)! If you search "buick 455 distributor", it comes up...
     
  17. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Just saw it. Haha
     
  18. BuickV8Mike

    BuickV8Mike SD Buick Fan

    I'm a believer, with a cavet. It needs to make it through burn-n or infant mortality. Just had them replace one I bought in Jan. Only figured it out after I went back to my 20 year old unit I was upgrading to for my new build. Once it works it works.

    Cheers,
    Mi,e
     
  19. redbuick

    redbuick Well-Known Member

    Another Dayco topcog user here as well, they stay on.
     

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