Hello all, have a stock 90 L98. Have had it for a year, already been through 2 belt tensioners. Is this simply because the parts are crappy as GM no longer makes the tensioner for my year Vette, or could something else be happening that is literally wreaking havoc on my belt tensioners? 

Also, any recommendations on finding better quality tensioners? 

Any help greatly appreciated. 

What is the failure on them? Loosing tension, or the bearing failing? Are you certain you have the correct belt? The wrong belt length can cause premature failure of the tensioner. 

As far as quality is concerned, it's a crap shoot from any supplier, even GM. I've had to replace the fuel pump in my '85 SIX times in the past 2 years. Last one lasted less than and hour of run time. I finally broke down and got a Delco pump...so far it has lasted about 3 months without failing....holding my breath on it, too....

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I have ordered DELCO parts intentionally to eliminate failure. But, when they arrive, even from a GM dealer in my town, they are in a box labeled MADE IN REPUBLIC OF CHINA.  They should all be smashed on the R.O.C. That includes all the parts that the company that uses that ROCK name. Nuff said! 

Well, Im going to curse myself but here we go.  I did not buy Delco because unfortunately its all crap now, I did not by Dayco because I hear mixed reviews. I found a gates tensioner that looks IDENTICAL to the original (I believe) that was on the car. One year and.....here comes the curse, no issues. 

Thanks so much for getting back to me. I think I have the correct belt size. The springs in the tensioners just fail. I do notice there is quite a bit of play on the tensioner arm (an inch or so) during idle. Not sure if that's normal or not. 

Check the tracking of the belt, straight and properly aligned with the pulleys. I'd also check the harmonic balancer, if it's loose or wobbling it can play hell with the belt and tensioner. 

I have had good results from Gates products.  I had to order a water pump and went with the Gates.  I used a Gates belt and tensioner when I did the job since I had everything apart.   Their is now some time on the clock since a changed them and all is well.   I find that you get a good selection from the online parts companies and they usually list the better parts from the economy parts.   Don’t forget to change your antifreeze at least every 3 years no matter the miles you put on.   The rust inhibitor’s and the additives that keep the seals and water pump bearing lubricated start to breakdown around that time.   Antifreeze is cheap compared to mechanic prices today.    Stay safe and enjoy the ride.