ENGINE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS

The info on this page was supplied by Andrew from the readers rides page.

 Engine Accessories:  There are two ways to go for front accessories: original style V-belts is one option and later-model Mustang serpentine belt is the other. 
 
Serpentine:  You may get a complete serpentine setup when you buy your 5.0 and that would be great if you want a serpentine setup. This would usually include a power steering pump, smog pump, A/C compressor, and alternator.  You can buy idlers to
take the place of the smog pump and A/C if you choose not to run them.  Also, having the Mustang 5.0 alternator in place makes it easy to wire up to your EFI set up if you are doing EFI.  Some pitfalls to look out for are power steering hoses, and A/C lines.  Also the 5.0 water pump for Serpentine set up's has the lower water hose on the drivers side and your Meteor doesn't. www.RonMorrisPerformance.com makes a special hose you can buy that will help.

V-belts:  You could run all of your older-style aluminum water pump and timing cover that came on your original 260, but it's pretty old stuff.  I recommend getting the slightly later timing cover and cast iron water pump like found on a 66 and up Mustang.  Im sure there are several timing covers you can use, but I recommend one from an early 70s Ford that still has the fuel pump mounting area and the hole for the dipstick. That way you can run a carb if you want or get a block off plate and run EFI and you can use your dipstick and tube. Summit or Ford Motorsport make a good aluminum block off plate if you are using EFI as you will be using an electric fuel pump.

Harmonic balancers -Two options: 

Stock 5.0 Balancer:
Of course if you are using Serpentine 5.0 stuff, use all the Mustang pulleys and balancer. If you are using the Stock 5.0 balancer, but want to run V-belts, you'll need a conversion pulley from a Mustang parts house.  Call and tell them you have a 5.0 you want to put in your *Mustang* and you are using a stock balancer. They will sell you a billet 2 groove pulley that will line up with your water pump pulley.  Not sure who actually produces it but many Classic Mustang places carry it. You'll also need to get a later 2 groove water pump pulley.  Early Ford Broncos and vans water pump pulley should line up with your new aftermarket crank pulley.
 
Aftermarket 5.0 Balancer:
 The aftermarket balancer comes in different widths and balances so you can use stock 70s ford pulleys. Cost is pretty much the same on these two options.  If you have a good non-slipping or cracked 5.0 balancer, I'd say stay with it, or if you find matching pulleys, go and get the aftermarket balancer....use your judgement.

aftermarket         Stu's mod'd stock 5.0 pulley from a 70's F100

Alternator: If you have an alternator on your car already your bracket should work fine.  You can either use the early Ford alternator and external regulator or a GM one wire alternator.

Generator: If you have a generator....sorry, but you'll have to get rid of that set up and find an alt bracket and alternator.  The EFI systems rely on some pretty constant voltages and the generator simply won't do.

Power steering:  Since the Eaton pump is a completely rear mounted pump, it will bolt directly to the 5.0 block/cylinder head area.  You might have to space it out with washers if the belts don't line up, but other than that, you're done.  No custom hoses or anything.  If you've gone with the 5.0 Serpentine belt you need to find a good hydraulic hose shop to make custom hoses to fit your steering pump.