Serpentine Belt System Question??

[CVA59]

I have a 64 model 283 (no bolt holes in heads) and i want to install a serpentine belt system. Will it work on my engine? Do there need to be bolt holes in the heads or does this system bolt into the block only?

[andyh1956]

i have installed several gm oem serp set-ups on engines. i used the 4.3 serp units, mostly cause that's what i could get for cheap. however in your case you are right to notice that the lack of holes is going to be a problem. also you prolly have a short water pump now, and the 4.3 serp set-up is gonna use a long pump. also the dampner diameter will grow so you will need to have a front cover or at least a timing pointer that matches the dampner you are using. there are also some braces that travel rearward to the intake manifold to threaded bosses your intake will not have. i don't know anything about aftermarket set-up so some one else will have to help there. having said all this you could change heads & make it work, but be carefull which heads you pick. don't drop a pair of heads on that 283 with 76cc chambers on it, you will kill that peppy 'lil 283, they use SMALL chamber heads. good luck!
andy

[chevy_mike]

I put on one for my '68 project and it requires holes that are used in the block and the heads. Most pre '86 heads don't have one of the holes, on the pass. side, needed so I drilled and tapped the missing one. I don't think I would want to do that for all the missing holes on the early heads.

[CVA59]

I may just have to change the heads and stuff like andy was saying. hmmm, i may have to think about this a little more.

[Oklahoma]

you will also have to change the water pump because the serp set-up requires the pump to turn in the opsite direction.