Water Pump Belt Purgatory

I bought a water pump belt from Zips, cat. #FB-358, GM # 3952336. Says it's for a 454 w/o A.C.. My car has A.C.. This was the only water pump belt listed, and, they assured me that it would fit. Not even close. The belt is 15/32x31.88. The existing belt was on so tight, even after I loosened the belt tensioner that I cut it off. The existing belt was very worn, I think it was OEM. I can't make out any I.D. on this belt. The existing belt is not much larger than the new reproduction belt I bought from Zips. Is there a real trick to putting this belt on or do I have to small of a belt? I have a 1973 shop manual, a couple of corvette manuals and the owners manual. In none of these books does it spell out belt sizes. In fact I have been suprised about the lack of information given for both belts and hoses. I would appreciate any assistance that one of you may have on this matter.

try Dr. rebuild, I haven't bought in years, looking at old catolog, all kinds of different belts for 73-454, he's kind of a dick to deal with, O-well, last known PH# 203-366-1332,  10-8 e.s.t. mon-sat, might or might not have what you need, also looked at my old 07 Paragon cat, they didn't even show a belts for 73 BB,.............just  looked at my Corvette Central cat , they show belts  w-wo ps, w-wo AC , 800-345-4122, good luck

Try this place. Put "1973 Corvette Water Pump Belt" in the search. www.quantaproducts.com

That is the correct belt for your 73. On my 72 LS5 that same belt is used. You said something about a belt tensioner...not one on my 72...... on the 72 to change that belt you have to remove the Fan, slide the Pulley forward, put on the belt and then bolt it back on. I didn't think it would fit either because it is very snug. Hope this helps.

Thanks Lonnie. I just wanted to hear from somebody real that this is what needs to happen.

Don't have any knuckle skin to lose Lonnie. Already changed spark plugs and wires!!!!!!Going to have to get some of those mechanic gloves.

the belts on a small block has three belts, one for the WP and ALt, one for the PS, one for the AC, they go on OK,  BB are different, I was going to suggest that you loosen the ideler, get the belt on all the pulleys , then wrench the ideler back in place, but I didn't , but now ya know.

Mine had three as stated above but when I bought new ones I wanted to  get one a bit longer for the alternator. That did not happen. and man is it a PITA to get on. hope ya get it done with less pain and swear words than I used.