Question about belt designs on a 98 GP

[Project98GT]

Ok this might have been answered here before but I looked and couldn't find anything on this. So I need a new belt for my car but there are two different designs one is the first design and one is he second design. From all I gathered there is only about 1/2 inch difference between the two. Now here is my question how do I know what belt I need on my 98 GP? Right now the car has the first design but it seams a bit tight on the pulleys so that is why I'm asking before I just go buy the same belt put it on just the wreck a new belt. any help would be great on this. Thanks

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

I'm not sure about the design thing, the belt routing didnt change on the L36 motor.

You want it tight, aslong as you can get it on and off with removing tension on the tensioner you are good.

 

[BillBoost37]

I have also never heard of first and second design on belts. Only on LIM gaskets and I just posted that.. likely to your other thread or someones thread.. damn I'm kinda tired.

 

[Project98GT]

Well if you go to this link if it works anyways you will see it says first design and second design belts. If the link don't work just go to the main site www.oreillyauto.com and look up a 98 grand prix GT and go to the belts. Then you will see why I'm confused by this.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/s...1998&make=Pontiac&model=Grand+Prix&vi=1317103

I just looked at the GM parts direct website and they also list 2 different designs for the 97-98 3800 cars.

 

[BillBoost37]

That's news to me as well. Being under half an inch longer/shorter. It should fit either way. Very odd find though.

 

[Project98GT]

I'll put on the new belt on I got the first design belt from www.rockauto.com and I will post what I find out if it get wore out early or last or makes noise due to being 1/2 to short.