Serpentine Belt Vs. V-Belt

[Lizardracing]

On the pulley debate, Serps tend to have more surface area for grip until, like Billet says, the diameter or wrap percentage overcome this. Less belt tension is needed and they tolerate misalignment better as well so belts last longer and materials for pulleys are less. I'd say that the main reason why all modern OEMs use Serps.

There's also an argument for bearing life at the front main, the water pump, and the PS pump or alternator if it applies from over tightened V belts.

Dirt racing, in my opinion again, a properly set up V belt gets the job done pretty cheap but a Serp get's the job done too but with some minor value ad on's.

[TheJet-09]

Great info from everyone! Hey @Lizardracing, can you explain what "chord length" means? I haven't seen that term before, but assume it has to do with the surface area of the blade? Thanks!

[Lizardracing]

Fan blade width....as drawn from a straight line.

[stock car driver]

If you cant turn your motor over by hand with your fan you have slippage. V belts start to wear the pulleys the minute you start the car as well as wear the belts.

They sell a tensioner or idler set up for serpentine, you can get it as tight as you want and it will stay that tight.