accessory drive · FF-0150

Why use a serpentine belt to drive a Flathead supercharger?

Steve says even a small supercharger takes 40 to 50 horsepower to turn and V-belts cannot grip well enough at higher RPM. Matched sets of V-belts are no longer sold, so two belts end up different lengths and one does the work. His kit uses a six-rib serpentine belt with a spring-loaded tensioner from a six-cylinder Jeep. The distributor is an electronic Stromberg unit made in England.

Expert

Steve Coppock

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

supercharger drive belt, tensioner, and distributor

Applicable scope

Supercharged Ford Flathead V8 with Steve Coppock's supercharger kit