Vehicle:	1999 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Product:	KAT-A4425 Gen III F-Car Adjustable Belt Tensioner
Applications:	Available for all Gen III and Gen IV small block powered GM cars and trucks, including the Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CTS-V (KAT-A4424), Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird/GTO (KAT-A4425) and Chevrolet Silverado/SSR/Tahoe and GMC Sierra/Yukon (KAT-A4426).
MSRP:	$135.00 (black anodized) $145.00 (red or blue anodized)
Manufacturer:	Katech Performance
Install Time:	15-20 minutes
Tools Required:	3/8" drive ratchet 3/8" drive torque wrench 15mm wrench 15mm socket

The Problem:

Katech Performance (KP) identified a problem with LS1 accessory drive belts "jumping off" the stock dynamic belt tensioner:

• A problem that was first reported to KP by ASA racers
• KP also experienced this problem firsthand during prolonged dyno testing
• Customers with street-going vehicles reported this problem to KP
• KP has observed reports of this problem on LS enthusiast Web site message boards

Based upon dyno testing, racer accounts and empirical data gathered from customers, KP concluded this problem occurs:

• During downshifts in performance driving, due to high instantaneous loads on the accessory drive belt (and higher torsionals through the crank).
• In some combinations that have a mild torsional peak at an rpm where if operating in that range, the accessory drive belt could be pitched.
• In higher mileage street-going vehicles due to fatigue of dynamic tensioner springs over time. This problem has been observed in vehicles with 50,000+ miles, and is even more common in vehicles with 75,000+ miles.

Those who commonly experience this problem include:

• Professional racers
• Amateur racers
• Vehicle owners using nitrous oxide or turbocharger systems (where power comes on very quickly)
• Vehicle owners using aftermarket dampers
• Vehicle owners with high-revving engines

The Solution:

To correct this problem, KP designed an adjustable belt tensioner that works with any belt or system currently running the stock dynamic tensioner. Features of the KP adjustable belt tensioner include:

• A higher pulley sidewall for more secure belt placement
• Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum for light weight
• Utilizes the factory accessory drive belt
• Comes fully assembled and torqued with a tall flange pulley (saving customers time and money, because they don't have to salvage the pulley from their stock tensioner or buy a stock tensioner in order to salvage the pulley)
• Comes with zinc dichromate plated 15mm mounting bolts for long life, no rust and an attractive finish
• Red and blue anodizing available

Notes:

The KP adjustable belt tensioner is static and therefore requires maintenance, as belts stretch during service and a static tensioner will not take up the slack created.

Also, the KP tensioner is not for vehicles with supercharged engines (unless the supercharger uses a separate belt) because the load carried by the accessory drive belt is so great that it stretches and returns to normal size during operation.

About Katech Performance:

Katech Performance, the aftermarket performance division of Katech Inc., engineers and manufactures race-proven crate engines and components for LS1/LS6 and LS2/LS7 engines including solid belt tensioners, coil relocation brackets, cylinder heads, dampers, pistons, push rods, throttle bodies and valve covers, among other high-performance products for the street and track.

Katech Inc. was founded on the need to provide responsive service and skills to factory race efforts in all forms of racing, including the SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT, NASCAR and the American Le Mans Series. Today, Katech is an industrial leader in advanced racing and high-performance engine development, manufacturing, testing and assembly, and offers support services for the professional racer including boring, honing, fabrication, welding and prototype parts development.