kstyer said: I have seen this, but I do not believe it has ever been factory. Some hot rodder had an explanation why it was a good idea, but it's impossible to adjust the belt. And all belts stretch.

I am positive it was factory.

I've seen that setup also, but pretty sure there's supposed to be an idler pulley to tension the belt. Mike

Nope - no idler. Just the belt!

pws69 said:   I've seen that setup also, but pretty sure there's supposed to be an idler pulley to tension the belt. Mike   Nope - no idler. Just the belt!

You sir, are correct!! Looked over some pulley/belt diagrams and some application charts and it does appear that non A/C big blocks are as you described them. With the A/C they have an idler pulley. Appear to be a secondary(maybe primary?)belt. They show an additional belt that goes to the crank, water pump, and alternater. Or if power steering optioned crank,WP,PS with the alternater belt going to the PS pulley.
Does anyone have this setup that can verify.
Learn stuff all the time!

Mike

mkapp7879 said: You sir, are correct!! Looked over some pulley/belt diagrams and some application charts and it does appear that non A/C big blocks are as you described them. With the A/C they have an idler pulley. Appear to be a secondary(maybe primary?)belt. They show an additional belt that goes to the crank, water pump, and alternater. Or if power steering optioned crank,WP,PS with the alternater belt going to the PS pulley. Does anyone have this setup that can verify. Learn stuff all the time! Mike

Thanks!

If I remember correctly (but there has been a lot of brain cell abuse since the 50's and 60's!!), it was used to "assist" in reducing the tendency of the "main" belt to literally "smoke" on the high HP units under "hard acceleration". When the "crank to wp" belt was installed, it was very tight so the longer main belt (wp/alt) could be tghtened a "reasonable" amount such that you didn't fry the alternator bearings from over tightening - but you didn't get the squeak/smoke. It worked, but it was one of the least desirable belt swaps ever!