Serpintine Belt Drive
 

Has Anybody used a later model serpentine belt assembly on our trucks. Aftermarket belt drive systems cost as much or more than crate motors!
What are the pros and cons of using a factory system over v belts?? I like to upgrade as I repair, but to keep cost down I use JY parts or donor vehicles; and their sure are a lot these items around now.

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

In my opinion they make a great upgrade from the V-belts.....there are the heavy bulky steel ones that are prone to cracking....most people stay away from those....then there are the aluminum ones that are more desirable.
IIRC you need the correct water pump because it turns the opposite direction from the old school pump
You can watch eBay...sometimes they come up for sake there fairly cheap...just make sure you get all the fasteners and braces as well as the brackets....
If you have AC...it will have a different style compressor as well.

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

Early 90's GM. Some use later 90's vortec setup. I like the earlier version because you can pull the valve covers easier & it puts the A/C compressor on the passenger side.

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

GM sells their cast iron one for about 1000 bucks complete with the accessories.

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19369258.html

Hth,

-klb

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

I used a Summit Racing mid-mount kit. It's not true serpentine, but it uses wide grooved belts. Doesn't slip. Costs about 400$. I really like it. Best thing about it is that it only uses engine block holes, so it doesn't matter what heads or exhaust manifold/headers you have.

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

I picked up some brackets off Ebay to install a set on my BB. also need the Reverse water pump here.
Attachment 1762705

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

If you have a pick-and-pull yard they can be found pretty cheap. You want all the accessories, brackets, bolts, spacers, etc. The 88-95 TBI pickups and Suburbans are popular for this. The Firebird/Camaro version is similar. Also 4.3 Blazer in late 90s-ealy 2000s also work as well as similar 96-99 truck. The earlier pickup and Camaro version uses an R4 a/c compressor and CS130 alternator. The CS130 alternators are junk. Apparently there is a CS144 that will swap in, but I have never done it. The Blazer version serpentine uses a more reliable CS130D alternator but the a/c compressors are marginal and are mounted on the drivers side so you will definitely need new lines. You will want a new water pump to match whatever you got it from-which will also require a new fan and clutch or electric fan.

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

Found a 99 tahoe 5.7, with a bad trans and an almost new set of yokahamas, going to use that engine with serpentine drive. Thee alternator is cs130d, I have to figure out where the small wire goes. One of my buddies can make hoses, I'll have him make hoses with correct ends, and I just found out they make idler pulleys to eliminate compressor. I believe a plan is coming together. Thanks for all the help, this group is awesome

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

Will small block serpentine assembly work on big block????

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

Looked at the link, nice, but not in my budget. I'm trying to get it driveable without spending much, but I did blow the budget on a rebuilt TH350 from Cook's Racing (I hate changing trans twice)

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

No. I have a 90 Suburban C2500 serpentine system on my 454 and it is great. I changed the out the fitting on the 72 power steering pump into the 90 pump and put it together. Along with the reverse pump make sure (if you go mechanical) to get the reverse rotation fan. The R-4 compressor is not the best design though.

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

[QUOTE=lowbucktrucks;820981...Aftermarket belt drive systems cost as much or more than crate motors!
What are the pros and cons of using a factory system over v belts??...[/QUOTE]

Went to the corner store today, (to get more beer) and when I went to start my engine, the fan belt let out one horrible scream! (for about a quarter second) and after that it started charging the system and cooling the water mix.

I have a new spare fanbelt next to the gas tank behind the seat, and if I ever need to replace it, it will run about 6 bucks at the parts store.

Re: Serpintine Belt Drive
 

I'd love to do this to my truck, when I pull the engine for a rebuild. But I have so much on my plate, that it's not going to happen.