I had a couple customers mention that the belt alignment was not quite right on their installation. I recently installed a kit on a friends car, and the misalignment was very noticeable. I have done several perviously without any alignment problems. I decided to make a change to the remaining 11 plates I have in stock, and will change the new batch of plates I have made, moving the compressor forward by 1/4". I added a 1/4" spacer on the 2 compressor mounting tabs, and the adjustment bar tab. I also included longer bolts in the hardware bag. Doing this has made a change to how the bolts are oriented. This photo shows the orientation (pay no attention to the belt being in the wrong groove of the pulley
):
Before, I had the nuts inboard of the compressor ears (facing each other), but now they need to be on the outboard side. The adjustment bar bolt also needs to have the nut on the left side.
Installation tips:
At first, I installed the plate and then mounted the compressor on the plate. I find that now to be the hard way. I now mount the compressor on the plate on the workbench, and then install the plate and compressor as a unit:
Tighten the 2 bolts snug enough so that it takes a bar to rotate the compressor. No further tightening should be required. Start with the compressor as close to the plate as possible for easiest belt installation. Be sure to insert the plate mounting bolt in it's hole before mounting the compressor. It is very difficult to get it in afterward. Also, insert the plate brace bolt in the hole before mounting the compressor as well (unlike the photo that shows an empty hole
). It is best to install the oil cooler line bracket before mounting the compressor/plate:
Another tip: When building the adjustment system, it is best to insert but not fully tighten the bolts so it is easier to install the adjustment bolt sleeve. I used to tighten the "banana" bracket bolts, and then have a hard time getting the adjustment bar and sleeves in between the brackets. Having the banana brackets loose makes it easier to install the rest of the system. Once all the parts are in place, all the bolts can be tightened.....Rich