The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop convert from wide drive belt to narrow

I have a 50 Chevy with a 216. It has the 5/8" wide drive belt on it. I would like to take advantage of a fellow members power steering/alternator bracket when I get to work on the suspension so I can run power steering, however his kit will require the drive belt to be the 3/8" narrower belt.

Can I just swap on a later water pump with the smaller pulley? What about the crank shaft pulley? Can I just replace it with one from a later 216 or 235 that had the narrower belt?

Thanks,
Chad

Chev went to a 3/8" belt in 1953, except large trucks, so you can use a 1953-54 pump and balancer.

So the parts are interchangable? Not going to cause any issues or anything?

Thanks,
Chad

Didn't I read that you can run a 3/8" belt on a 5/8" pulley?

Sure, so long as it doesn't bottom out.

I tried a 3/8" belt last night and I don't think it bottomed out, but the pitch on the sides didn't look like the same. Basically it wasn't close enough for me to feel comfortable.

I got to talking to my buddy at the shop that I am having do the suspension to see if he had any ideas and he pointed to a 350 he had in the corner and said I could have that engine. Gave me a price I couldn't refuse, so the 216 is coming out anyway.

Thanks for everyones help.

Another one bites the dust...

Your truck to do it how you want to... Lots of AD trucks been converted to V8. (I had one myself.) Good luck with it.

Don't junk that 216 without giving another 'bolter a chance on it.

Yeah, I won't junk the 216. I will make sure that it makes it to a good home. For what I want to do with the truck, the 350 is the better option in the long run.