What brand of drive belts are the best

[Dennis H.]

Hi all

I'm looking to replace all the belts on my 73 L82 (AC / PS/ AIR) and my options seem to be 1) AC Delco Gold / Professional, 2) Gates XL High Capacity and 3) Quanta.

Using the Fan & Alt 350 w/ AC as an example the OEM PN is 326089 and the size is listed as 3/8" x 52 3/4" (.375 x 52.75). The AC Delco and Gates info is saying the belt is .41" x 54". The Quanta doesn't give any sizing information.

Looking to buy what has the best Fit, Form and Function as it relates to OEM. What has worked best for those who have swapped out belts? I seem to recall Gates Green Stripe or NAPA Gold Stripe being good but not sure if that is a thing anymore.

Thanks
Dennis

[Edward J.]

Re: What brand of drive belts are the best

Dennis, I would go to your local parts store and bring your old belts so he can reference the withe and length of what is currently working, Most places carry Dayco or Gates belts, if the belt varies a 1/4” inch that should not be a problem, I think these days they stop making some of the fractional numbers.

[Leif A.]

Re: What brand of drive belts are the best

I ordered all my belts (and, a spare set) for my '67 L79 with PS & AC from Rock Auto. I bought the AC Delco brand and they fit absolutely perfectly. They take a minor hit when judged but I was more concerned with fit & function than the minor points loss.

[John S.]

Re: What brand of drive belts are the best

Dennis, sounds like we have the same configuration, ‘73 L82, AC, PS and A.I.R. I replaced all of my belts 6-7 years ago with Quanta reproductions. The only fitment issue I had was the AC belt. The length of the belt was very tight from the AC compressor to the fins of the L82 aluminum valve cover.

After the first belt would not fit they sent me two more belts on the “higher end” of their manufacturing tolerance. I got one to fit but it was still extremely snug and I had to remove the fan and loosen the WP pulley to install. I have a back up belt from the local O’Reilly’s and it fits much better, the actual difference in dimension I’m not sure of.

The only other complaint is that Quanta insists that ‘73 belts had the part numbers printed in white on the belt and not embossed like we found on original cars while updating the Judging Manual. I had several conversations with them on this issue and they insist they are produced in accordance with the original manufacturing license they obtained from GM.

Aside from the fit of the AC belt, they have been functioning fine with no complaints. Would I purchase the Quanta belts again …………probably not.

[Dennis H.]

Re: What brand of drive belts are the best

Thanks for the input, I might give the AC Delco from Rock auto a shot as they are not that expensive.