LS-ONE_DAY

My serpentine belt is dry rotted and needs replaced. I don't have a UDP, all factory accessories are intact. I know that the main options are:
Drive-Rite V-Ribbed Belt (# 790K6) - $19.99
Dayco Poly-Rib Belt (# 5060790) - $27.59
Gatorback
Gates

I'm looking at either the Drive-Rite or the Dayco, which do most people go with and have the least issues? I know Dayco has more ribs so it's better in that aspect but is it worth the money and do people have squeaking issues with either? A buddy had squeaking issues with his factory correct length Dayco so he got one that was 1 inch smaller to snug it up...

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I had some squeaking issues with the Gates belt. It is just marginally longer than the factory original belt. So I went back to a GM belt and all has been well.

Gates is generally a good product though. I use their V-belts on my old SBC with no issues at all. But their LS1 belt needs to be 17mm shorter to match the GM belt. This length difference may or may not matter depending on the condition of your tensioner and correctness of your other pullies/accessories.

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

went gator....and will never go anywhere else

SS SLP2

iTrader: (8)

^^^SMART
Johnny

MMWS6

I'm all about Gator myself. On my modded Grand Am nothing else will hold the 7200rpm shifts. Killed 3 Dayco's in 4 months, moved to Gator and lasted 3+ years and still going strong. Replaced the belts last month on the TA with Gator and pretty much expect the same results from it.

Spartan7

iTrader: (7)

Gatorback is a good belt. I currently have a Dayco in the T/A, because it was the only brand with the size I needed. I also have a Dayco A/C belt in my truck, they seem decent IMO.

LS-ONE_DAY

What is the part number for the GM belt? Or would it be better to just order it at a dealer than get it online?

I bought a Drive-Rite because thats all Advance had in stock but I'm going to return it and get a Dayco or GM I think. I don't think it is necessary to spend the extra money on a Gator right now. My buddy that got a 1" shorter Dayco said I can try his standard length one that has 500 miles on it and if it doesn't squeak I can have it for $15.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

^ +1. If you are going to keep the car a long time, I think the extra investment is worth it. Mine is two years old and fells like brand new - and its really quiet.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Part number for the GM belt is 12569527. It would be the same belt whether you get it from a regular dealer or an online GM source.

LS-ONE_DAY

Thanks RPM. I didn't see it listed in either of the part number stickies.

I'm going to try fitting my friends standard length Dayco polyrib and see if it squeaks. If it doesn't I could buy it from him for $15, like I said he told me it has about 500 miles on it. There is no harm in running a lightly used belt if it doesn't squeak right?

WS6nTX

iTrader: (1)

search the part on gmpartsdirect.com
you get a discounted price and its all GM original parts

#12569527

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Glad to help.

Unless the belt is glazed, cracked, and/or stretched, then it should be fine with such little miles on it.

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

GM is cheaper than a gator? really?

98boxer

iTrader: (7)

I just looked at the price for a belt and that is one hell of a deal. I've been buying gm belt for my car at almost 60 bucks, because no matter how tight i tighten the adjustment for the belt i still get a squeek and only gm belts work for my car without a squeek.

RJDio

I buy the cheapest belts Autozone has but they have the same number of ribs, just different warranty guarantees. I buy several and keep spares but I've never broken one.