I can't believe these guys actually arguing about the benefit of changing idlers and what the cause is! CobraBob is spot on and has been here long enough to have seen way more exploded idlers on this forum than I can even count! Sure changing the upper alone may not alter the actual speed of the idlers, but there is definitely a huge difference in the forces acting on them, whether it's from increased belt tension to prevent slipping or something else entirely. The point is that they can, and in most cases will explode on a modified Cobra and being stranded is the least of your worries. I've seen hoods damaged as well as engine accessories, plus you're guaranteed to need another belt as well so for the doubters, go ahead and roll the dice! There are a few things common with these cars that has been proven time and time again such as not boosting in 5th and 6th gear, upgrading idlers, getting rid of rubber bushings in the IRS to prevent half shaft breakage and wheel hop, etc. sure, you can get by without doing any of that, but if it's something that has proven to chronically fail in these cars why argue about it when the anecdotal evidence is there? Search past threads going back 10 or more years and see for yourself!
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