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Fri Jun 20, 2025 9:05 am

I have tried installing an EMPI alternator conversion kit and am having some issues. https://www.jbugs.com/product/9448.html Has anyone else installed this without issue? My issues:

1)It seems like the belt is too big for the pulley, which is chewing up the belt
2)The alternator vibrates like crazy when running (attached video link)

Any advice on what I'm doing wrong?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nj8BKyfzLeqvcpjg8<--Video link

Fri Jun 20, 2025 9:34 am

EMPI = Every Mistake Passes Inspection

Sorry I can't be of more help. The kit should be simple bolt on. Lot's of times that's not the case but this really should be.

Fri Jun 20, 2025 1:27 pm

dommer wrote: I have tried installing an EMPI alternator conversion kit and am having some issues. https://www.jbugs.com/product/9448.html Has anyone else installed this without issue? My issues:

1)It seems like the belt is too big for the pulley, which is chewing up the belt
2)The alternator vibrates like crazy when running (attached video link)

Any advice on what I'm doing wrong?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nj8BKyfzLeqvcpjg8<--Video link

You might want to look at your belt alignment. The belt might be rubbing on one side of the pulley more than the other (not centered). You might also want to look at the brackets, as they might need a gusset to support them better.
I hope this helps.

Sat Jun 21, 2025 7:45 am

Bobnotch wrote: dommer wrote: I have tried installing an EMPI alternator conversion kit and am having some issues. https://www.jbugs.com/product/9448.html Has anyone else installed this without issue? My issues:

1)It seems like the belt is too big for the pulley, which is chewing up the belt
2)The alternator vibrates like crazy when running (attached video link)

Any advice on what I'm doing wrong?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nj8BKyfzLeqvcpjg8<--Video link

You might want to look at your belt alignment. The belt might be rubbing on one side of the pulley more than the other (not centered). You might also want to look at the brackets, as they might need a gusset to support them better.
I hope this helps.

It's actually worse than that, it seems like the belt is too big for the kit. It can't sit in the pulley without one side or other bulging out of the pulley. It seems like it's either the wrong belt for the kit, or someone installed the wrong size pulley on it. I contacted JBugs about it who have taken it up with Empi and said they will get back to me. Another weird thing about the kit is that two of the connectors on the alternator came with crimp quick-disonnect connectors on them. I thought it was a weird, but appreciated addition. But when I actually went to install the unit, I noticed both of these connectors were crimped, and had a tiny bit of wire coming out of them. It looks like I might have been sent a used unit.

Sat Jun 21, 2025 1:04 pm

dommer wrote: Bobnotch wrote: dommer wrote: I have tried installing an EMPI alternator conversion kit and am having some issues. https://www.jbugs.com/product/9448.html Has anyone else installed this without issue? My issues:

1)It seems like the belt is too big for the pulley, which is chewing up the belt
2)The alternator vibrates like crazy when running (attached video link)

Any advice on what I'm doing wrong?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nj8BKyfzLeqvcpjg8<--Video link

You might want to look at your belt alignment. The belt might be rubbing on one side of the pulley more than the other (not centered). You might also want to look at the brackets, as they might need a gusset to support them better.
I hope this helps.

It's actually worse than that, it seems like the belt is too big for the kit. It can't sit in the pulley without one side or other bulging out of the pulley. It seems like it's either the wrong belt for the kit, or someone installed the wrong size pulley on it. I contacted JBugs about it who have taken it up with Empi and said they will get back to me. Another weird thing about the kit is that two of the connectors on the alternator came with crimp quick-disonnect connectors on them. I thought it was a weird, but appreciated addition. But when I actually went to install the unit, I noticed both of these connectors were crimped, and had a tiny bit of wire coming out of them. It looks like I might have been sent a used unit.

You might try finding a shorter belt locally. I'd start a 1/2 inch shorter, and go up from there. Most good auto parts stores have a belt gauge, and can size a belt from there (using your existing belt as a starting point).

Sat Jun 21, 2025 8:15 pm

Believe I have the same kit, though sold by CB. This is the belt I'm using.

Max

Sun Jun 22, 2025 4:36 am

I would say it's a bent shaft on the alternator, possibly damaged during shipping to the first recipient who then sent it back to JBugs. JBugs "inspected" the unit and since you can't see the bent shaft, put it back in stock for a lucky second recipient.

Sun Jun 22, 2025 5:22 am

The brackets may need some shimming to ensure their entire base is in contact with the motor, otherwise they can wobble/shake.

This website will help you get the correct belt (narrow style);
https://tameson.com/pages/v-belt-size-chart

BTW You will want to make some tin to close the gap around the opening to minimize air leaking out of the fan shroud.

Sun Jun 22, 2025 7:34 am

biffidum wrote: BTW You will want to make some tin to close the gap around the opening to minimize air leaking out of the fan shroud.
Yes.

Before

After