Supercharger, Alternator, Steering Pump Belts

[Leo B]

Hi, Please help. I bought from IS new belt set to -63 R2. Including:

1. Supercharger: 2 pcs Continental Elite 15545. Width 0.438 (11,13mm). Lenght 54 inc. This is super tight and very, very hard to install even when engine is in the rack. The spring is almost max tight position. Cannot be correct lenght. Too short. Impossible to install two belts.
2. Alternator: Gates XL 7380. Width 13/32. (10mm) Lenght 38 5/8 inc. Adjustement is now max with one bolt. Too long. If I put Alternator Adjusting Bracket top of surge tank bolt - still a problem.
3. Steering Pump: Gates XL 7440. Widht 13/32. Lenght 44 5/8 inc. Adjustement is now almost max. Too long but works.

What are correct sizes? Where to get correct ones?

If you find something wrong dont hasitate to comment and advice.
PS. Paxton SN90 is not fully installed (will have longer shaft). Fuel Pump is not installed.

Edited March 13, 2022 by Leo B

[Gunslinger]

The problem with V-belts is many manufacturers have consolidated parts numbers to reduce the number of belts to inventory.  If a belt is the right length to fit several applications it will replace all the exact belts even if it’s depth is incorrect for some applications.  I found that out the hard way with a ‘69 Corvette I owned…the belt the applications books said was correct was too short.  Another application book showed one that would fit length-wise but fit too deep in the pulley groove and turned upside down when driving.  I ended up paying extra for a reproduction belt from a Corvette parts specialist which fit properly with no more problems.

I suggest contacting Myer’s Studebaker, Nostalgic Motors or Studebaker International for belts that fit properly.             

[mfg]

Nice looking R2!!....A couple observations....your power steering pump position looks "right on".........and, I remember the last time I purchased R2 blower belts at my local 'FLAPS'...I didn't have the Dayco part numbers with me, however it turned a a matched set of air conditioning belts made for a '70-'80 small block (318-360) Dodge Plymouth were a perfect fit.

[Leo B]

26 minutes ago, Gunslinger said:

I suggest contacting Myer’s Studebaker, Nostalgic Motors or Studebaker International for belts that fit properly.

Hi, Note that I bought these from Studebaker International. (I wrote SI wrongly🤭)

[Leo B]

Thanks. I'm going to take measurements and Im sure I found correct ones from Summit. They have Dayco and Continental. I will tell you my measurements.
These which I got from IS shows me that they are very wrong. We are talking about inces. If these are correct belts, then my pulleys are wrong ones from the start. I havent changed those.
Mr mfg. Thank You.😊

[John C]

Hello Leo,  I am running Dayco belts on  my R2. The SC belts are #15545 they fit but they are very tight you may have to roll them on. The alternator is #15435 and it puts you at the mid point of adjustment, it works very well. The PS pump is #15375 this also puts you at the mid point of adjustment. these are .44 inches in width and the last 3 digits are the length in inches, ie: 375 is 37.5 inches. Good luck with your project,  John C.

[Leo B]

Hi Mr John C and all you helper. Thank you very much. Big help🙏
I will order from Summit:

Dayco #15435 which John D recommend 0.44 / 43.50 (this is very close as I have measured)
Dayco #15375 which John D recommend 0.44 / 37.50
Two Continental #15556 7/16 / 55.00  This is 1 inch longer than I got from SI and half inc longer than John C #15545 0.44 / 54.50
And just in case Two Continental #15565 7/16 / 56.00

I think that original Alternator and Oil pump might had narrower than 0.44 belts but I think that these will work.
I will tell how they work.

Edited March 13, 2022 by Leo B

[brad]

Don't forget to fold the "French Lock" on the crankshaft bolt.

[Leo B]

Hi Brad! Very important attention and reminder. 👍
I am going to drill a hole in the bolt and use a safety wire. It is convenient because the wire can be removed and thus the motor can be rotated if necessary. When I stripped down the engine, it also had a French Lock that hadn’t been folded, but was there an imagination that it would act as friction when softer? Dont know. I bet that lot of enthusiast mechanics (like me) leave just like that.

Brad! I visited you website and Facebook. Wow! You are pro😎👍

Edited March 14, 2022 by Leo B

[Leo B]

On 3/13/2022 at 5:00 PM, John C said:

Hello Leo,  I am running Dayco belts on  my R2. The SC belts are #15545 they fit but they are very tight you may have to roll them on. The alternator is #15435 and it puts you at the mid point of adjustment, it works very well. The PS pump is #15375 this also puts you at the mid point of adjustment. these are .44 inches in width and the last 3 digits are the length in inches, ie: 375 is 37.5 inches. Good luck with your project,  John C.

Hi John C. I got Two Continental #15556 and they are perfect for SC. Easy to install and still tight.