Looking to replace my 8 year old belt and tensioner. Stock blower, 2.6 pulley. Should I just buy a new Ford piece, or is there a stronger one, that I might benefit from? Car is a 2010. Thanks!
I think the aftermarket versions probably have more tension, but they start at $400. You should be able to get a stock one on-line for around $140, probably more at your local dealer. I don't know that aftermarket is really necessary with the stock blower. Your money, your choice.
If you had a 2.4 pulley maybe an aftermarket tensioner or if you planned on building up a 800-1000 whp setup an aftermarket tensioner would be good. Stock blower with only a 2.6 I'd just get a Ford OEM from RockAuto and call it a day.
Great thread. I just picked up a VMP 2.5" pulley & 90mm idler for my 2010 and was wondering about the need for (or lack of) this myself.
Depends on how much hammering on it you will do. I have seen the video of a stock one bouncing all over the place. Admittedly that was racing conditions. If you don’t plan any of that the stocker should be okay. I personally have a VMP one.
Stock tensioner is good for bone stock applications on the street. Other than that its a weak unit. Im running a stock lower, 2.5" VMP upper with a VMP S/C belt tensioner; stock pulley size. Ive also got a BPS aux idler for better belt wrap. Stock belt for now, but I messaged Van and an 84" belt is the size of choice for my particular application.
