68 Serpentine? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

saxmo · 02-06-2005, 04:05 PM

Hey guys, I just picked up my 350/TH350 combo for my 68 pickup. It is a stocker originally out of a VERY clean 81 Z28. I want to paint the motor/ powdercoat the brackets and do a mild cam, but I am wondering if a serpentine system would look kewl and clean up the engine compartment a bit.? Anyone know what bone-yard crossover would work well with my combo? I am posting pix of my truck (I found out we were supposed to) and the motor. Thanks. I got this truck from Kevhill85. I swapped him a 94 LT1 engine! The frame is done all new poly bushings, 5 lug, disc front, a/c cab. Notice only 1 dime-sized rust hole in the passenger kickpanel seam!!!! all else is surface!!!!!!!! I dumped my rust-buggy project and embraced this truck!

saxmo · 02-06-2005, 04:05 PM

more pix

Dean23 · 02-06-2005, 04:14 PM

I ussed a serp setup from a 91 chevy pickup on my small block. Ill post you a pic

Longhorn Man · 02-06-2005, 04:15 PM

Sweet trade.
As far as the serp belt goes, I don't care for them as far as looks go...they block the view of teh pretty paint on the engine. As far as what is better...the serp belt wins hands down.
Junk yard donors...anything with a small block or 4.3 v6.
Not sure if you are aware or not, that air filter is nothing but a fire hazard. The foam soaks up the little bits of fuel that get kicked up like when you pump the throttle to start it, and then with the smallest of back fires, it'll light up.
Been there, done that. NOT fun

hot!rod · 02-06-2005, 04:40 PM

Just went through this whole battle. DON'T get one from an 89. There are several reasons, but trust me. It can be done but it just isn't worth it. Don't forget to get all the pulleys when you get the donor. Also get the P.S. pump and try to find a check valve to go in the back of it to fit the hose on the truck. They used a different type hose on the later models. Also be sure to get the braces for the serp bracket else it will crack, etc. Last but not least, remember the water pump for the serps are reverse rotation. The studs on the water pump for the fan are metric and remember the fan aslo spins backwards so get the right fan. Not trying to insult anyone's intelligence, I just wish I would have thought of all the small things before I got started.

Hope this helps,
Brad

Russell · 02-06-2005, 04:55 PM

Hey Hot Rod, what was the problem with the 89 setup? I've got an 89 setup to put on my 355...

saxmo · 02-06-2005, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hot!rod

...P.S. pump and try to find a check valve to go in the back of it to fit the hose on the truck. They used a different type hose on the later models...

Hope this helps,
Brad

Brad, I have a PS box from a Z28.. will it "hook right up" or are there gonna be checkvalve probs?

saxmo · 02-06-2005, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Sweet trade.
As far as the serp belt goes, I don't care for them as far as looks go...they block the view of teh pretty paint on the engine. As far as what is better...the serp belt wins hands down.
Junk yard donors...anything with a small block or 4.3 v6.
Not sure if you are aware or not, that air filter is nothing but a fire hazard. The foam soaks up the little bits of fuel that get kicked up like when you pump the throttle to start it, and then with the smallest of back fires, it'll light up.
Been there, done that. NOT fun

Good tip. I usually try to stay away from the small neck air breathers.. I always figured it was like trying to breathe through a coffee straw...or a McDonalds straw.. big difference. So, I usually try to use something bigger.. Does anyone know of a breather that would go well with the valve covers on the motor.?. I kinda like those.

Deuce · 02-06-2005, 04:37 PM

I've had a small fire with one of those air cleaners too. Not good!!

BubbaGreen · 02-06-2005, 05:13 PM

Ya, why '89....those are the parts I have as well. We NEED to know more...

hot!rod · 02-06-2005, 06:21 PM

Well I guess it depends on which bracket(s) you have. I got the 1-piece bracket. I guess it's not that bad since I now know what I didn't know then. My bracket has the 4-groove pulley on the tensioner. The only instance I can find in the history of GM where they used a 4 groove pulley is when there was no a/c. If it had a/c then it used a 6-groove pulley which means if I want to put the compressor on my 72, I have to change all the pulleys as well as the tensioner. I guess the first question is does your tensioner pulley have grooves or is it smooth. The ones I had ALWAYS seen were smooth which meant it rode on the back side of the belt. NOT IN MY CASE. In 87-88 they had a V-Belt plus a 5 groove pulley. But starting in '90 everything had a 6 groove setup, a/c or not. IMO it's just easier to look for something from 90 up that way it's just easier to get the stuff. Also, my alternator had to be the 3 oclock version instead of the standard 6 oclock. This almost forced me to use the CS series alternator, which has proved to be a little more difficult to wire than the SI series. Also remember the check valve on the PS pump. These are not necessarily the absolute rules, but they are exactly what I ran into and I would like to save anyone else the trouble. Let me know if I can help.

Good luck.

**kwmech** · 02-06-2005, 06:30 PM

All the wreckers around here seem to have some sort of vortex around them when the serpentine trucks come in. Never can seem to find a complete setup that hasn't been pilfered. I priced a complete kit through the chevy performance catalog---795. plus tax, OUCH. Brand new accessories though, 105a alt, AC pump etc.--Maybe

hot!rod · 02-06-2005, 07:27 PM

Check on eBay. They are on there ALL THE TIME. They are still a little pricey for me, but you can probably get one for $200-$250.

Russell · 02-06-2005, 07:45 PM

I scored and got a setup in exhange for a gas pedal assembly and power window switch connector.

I just took a look and my idler arm has a flat surface. It does infact have an AC pump. My biggest concern at the moment is figuring out how I am going to brace the setup, I am using a TPI setup, and it doesn't have the bosses for the bracing arm's mounting points...

saxmo · 02-06-2005, 08:10 PM

Anyone have any advice on a brand/grind cam to use in this motor? It has an edelbrock intake. Holley 600 and the stock HEI distributor. I also need suggestions on headers to use with this setup... Thanks in advance for the info. Dwayne

hot!rod · 02-06-2005, 09:35 PM

Dwayne,
I'm not sure, but if you have a hose in your truck or on your pump, check them vice versa. You will see what I'm talking about. I have a friend who makes hoses and he said he has never seen one that has a different connection on each end. That doesn't mean there aren't any, but I never found one. The newer style uses a flare lookin thingy with an o-ring on the end. The old style is a typical flare (or inverted flare, whichever it is). I know this doesn't sound real technical, but you will see exactly what I'm talking about if yours are different cause you will never get it to start threading.
Hey, if anybody knows the old tilt columns, please check my post about steering columns. I really need some help or at least a bump if you get a minute. Keep in touch and good luck.

Let me know,
Brad

saxmo · 02-06-2005, 09:50 PM

ok . I'll check it out, when I get to the bone yard

*bisquik65* · 02-06-2005, 10:25 PM

I used one from a 94 S-10 blazer 4.3 On my 69 K/20 Just make sure you use a water pump for the same year of brackets you use,All serpentine belt water pumps turn reverse rotation and if you dont use the right one your motor will overheat.

You dont want that... Just take the back cover off the orignal one and the new one and you will see the difference.... Dont want anyone to ruin a good motor...

to check this...Erick

chickenwing · 02-08-2005, 03:27 PM

Hot!rod: I know what a checkvalve does... But why is it needed in this assy? A tip I got, I think from Tx Firefighter, was to just remove the pressure fitting and install the one from the old pump. I did not know this and had a custom hose made.

FREE FREE FREE FREE: Went to electric fans. Pretty sure I have a reverse rotation fan in the garage somewhere.... Free + freight.

Mixup · 02-08-2005, 03:39 PM

I think the hose is different because the new pumps are metric and use an oring and the old pumps use a flare fitting.

TEXAS 68 · 02-09-2005, 09:12 AM

Damn Dwyane, Nice Score

TEXAS 68 · 02-09-2005, 09:16 AM

BTW this is the set up on my 98 vortec I'm using

saxmo · 02-13-2005, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEXAS 68

BTW this is the set up on my 98 vortec I'm using

Hey man,

that is a kewl setup. I need the info on the guy that fabs the gas tanks, if you still have it. PM me the number. Thanks

Putter · 02-09-2005, 10:45 AM

Here is my question....if you look at the picture that DEAN23 posted early in this thread, can anyone identify the pulley where the A/C compressor should be (almost like an A/C delete)? I will not be running air for quite a while, and want something just like that instead of buying a shorter belt and having an unused bracket up there looking lonely. If anyone can supply me with one if those, I have money waiting.
Thanks

hot!rod · 02-09-2005, 11:04 AM

Chickenwing,
That fitting on the back of the pump is the check valve I'm talkin bout. I am glad to see someone else did this too. I was beginning to wonder if I just missed something.
Putter,
I'm not positive, but almost positive that IS a delete pulley. I have a GM part number for that in the shop, I will have to find it.

Good luck,
Brad

02-06-2005, 04:05 PM	#1
saxmo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cleveland, Texas Posts: 298	68 Serpentine? Hey guys, I just picked up my 350/TH350 combo for my 68 pickup. It is a stocker originally out of a VERY clean 81 Z28. I want to paint the motor/ powdercoat the brackets and do a mild cam, but I am wondering if a serpentine system would look kewl and clean up the engine compartment a bit.? Anyone know what bone-yard crossover would work well with my combo? I am posting pix of my truck (I found out we were supposed to) and the motor. Thanks. I got this truck from Kevhill85. I swapped him a 94 LT1 engine! The frame is done all new poly bushings, 5 lug, disc front, a/c cab. Notice only 1 dime-sized rust hole in the passenger kickpanel seam!!!! all else is surface!!!!!!!! I dumped my rust-buggy project and embraced this truck! Attached Images __________________ 2004 Corvette Coupe Black LS1 (daily driver) 1973 Ford Bronco (resto/mod @ 95%) 1991 GMC sportside Pickup Truck, 468c.i.d. ('nuff said) 1997 Ford F150 4.2L 500k+ miles (trash hauler) 2011 Nissan Juke (wife's daily driver) 1943 Ford GPW WWII jeep (waiting its' turn)

02-06-2005, 04:05 PM	#2
saxmo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cleveland, Texas Posts: 298	more pix Attached Images __________________ 2004 Corvette Coupe Black LS1 (daily driver) 1973 Ford Bronco (resto/mod @ 95%) 1991 GMC sportside Pickup Truck, 468c.i.d. ('nuff said) 1997 Ford F150 4.2L 500k+ miles (trash hauler) 2011 Nissan Juke (wife's daily driver) 1943 Ford GPW WWII jeep (waiting its' turn)

02-06-2005, 04:14 PM	#3
Dean23 68cst_ss490 Join Date: May 2001 Location: edmonton,canada Posts: 1,363	I ussed a serp setup from a 91 chevy pickup on my small block. Ill post you a pic __________________ Dean edmonton,canada a winter wonderland 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche LT cold air intake, performance exhaust, Comp cams cam, jba shorty ceramic headers. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3090973

02-06-2005, 04:55 PM	#6
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Hey Hot Rod, what was the problem with the 89 setup? I've got an 89 setup to put on my 355... __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

02-06-2005, 04:37 PM	#9
Deuce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada Posts: 1,595	I've had a small fire with one of those air cleaners too. Not good!! __________________ I know what your thinking.......I have ESPN. Sometimes it's easier to do things the hard way. Fesler Built 1968 Chevy C10....Must resist the urge to mess with it!!

02-06-2005, 04:15 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Sweet trade. As far as the serp belt goes, I don't care for them as far as looks go...they block the view of teh pretty paint on the engine. As far as what is better...the serp belt wins hands down. Junk yard donors...anything with a small block or 4.3 v6. Not sure if you are aware or not, that air filter is nothing but a fire hazard. The foam soaks up the little bits of fuel that get kicked up like when you pump the throttle to start it, and then with the smallest of back fires, it'll light up. Been there, done that. NOT fun

02-06-2005, 04:40 PM	#5
hot!rod Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 58	Just went through this whole battle. DON'T get one from an 89. There are several reasons, but trust me. It can be done but it just isn't worth it. Don't forget to get all the pulleys when you get the donor. Also get the P.S. pump and try to find a check valve to go in the back of it to fit the hose on the truck. They used a different type hose on the later models. Also be sure to get the braces for the serp bracket else it will crack, etc. Last but not least, remember the water pump for the serps are reverse rotation. The studs on the water pump for the fan are metric and remember the fan aslo spins backwards so get the right fan. Not trying to insult anyone's intelligence, I just wish I would have thought of all the small things before I got started. Hope this helps, Brad

02-06-2005, 05:13 PM	#10
BubbaGreen Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Cedar Park, TX Posts: 686	Ya, why '89....those are the parts I have as well. We NEED to know more... __________________ 71 Chevy C-10 SWB Fleetside RamJet-350/4L60e & Compushift/3.73Posi See it at www.prismnet.com/~grzanich

02-06-2005, 06:21 PM	#11
hot!rod Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 58	Well I guess it depends on which bracket(s) you have. I got the 1-piece bracket. I guess it's not that bad since I now know what I didn't know then. My bracket has the 4-groove pulley on the tensioner. The only instance I can find in the history of GM where they used a 4 groove pulley is when there was no a/c. If it had a/c then it used a 6-groove pulley which means if I want to put the compressor on my 72, I have to change all the pulleys as well as the tensioner. I guess the first question is does your tensioner pulley have grooves or is it smooth. The ones I had ALWAYS seen were smooth which meant it rode on the back side of the belt. NOT IN MY CASE. In 87-88 they had a V-Belt plus a 5 groove pulley. But starting in '90 everything had a 6 groove setup, a/c or not. IMO it's just easier to look for something from 90 up that way it's just easier to get the stuff. Also, my alternator had to be the 3 oclock version instead of the standard 6 oclock. This almost forced me to use the CS series alternator, which has proved to be a little more difficult to wire than the SI series. Also remember the check valve on the PS pump. These are not necessarily the absolute rules, but they are exactly what I ran into and I would like to save anyone else the trouble. Let me know if I can help. Good luck.

02-06-2005, 06:30 PM	#12
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,599	All the wreckers around here seem to have some sort of vortex around them when the serpentine trucks come in. Never can seem to find a complete setup that hasn't been pilfered. I priced a complete kit through the chevy performance catalog---795. plus tax, OUCH. Brand new accessories though, 105a alt, AC pump etc.--Maybe

02-06-2005, 07:27 PM	#13
hot!rod Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 58	Check on eBay. They are on there ALL THE TIME. They are still a little pricey for me, but you can probably get one for $200-$250.

02-06-2005, 07:45 PM	#14
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	I scored and got a setup in exhange for a gas pedal assembly and power window switch connector. I just took a look and my idler arm has a flat surface. It does infact have an AC pump. My biggest concern at the moment is figuring out how I am going to brace the setup, I am using a TPI setup, and it doesn't have the bosses for the bracing arm's mounting points... __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

02-06-2005, 08:10 PM	#15
saxmo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cleveland, Texas Posts: 298	Anyone have any advice on a brand/grind cam to use in this motor? It has an edelbrock intake. Holley 600 and the stock HEI distributor. I also need suggestions on headers to use with this setup... Thanks in advance for the info. Dwayne __________________ 2004 Corvette Coupe Black LS1 (daily driver) 1973 Ford Bronco (resto/mod @ 95%) 1991 GMC sportside Pickup Truck, 468c.i.d. ('nuff said) 1997 Ford F150 4.2L 500k+ miles (trash hauler) 2011 Nissan Juke (wife's daily driver) 1943 Ford GPW WWII jeep (waiting its' turn)

02-06-2005, 09:35 PM	#16
hot!rod Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 58	Dwayne, I'm not sure, but if you have a hose in your truck or on your pump, check them vice versa. You will see what I'm talking about. I have a friend who makes hoses and he said he has never seen one that has a different connection on each end. That doesn't mean there aren't any, but I never found one. The newer style uses a flare lookin thingy with an o-ring on the end. The old style is a typical flare (or inverted flare, whichever it is). I know this doesn't sound real technical, but you will see exactly what I'm talking about if yours are different cause you will never get it to start threading. Hey, if anybody knows the old tilt columns, please check my post about steering columns. I really need some help or at least a bump if you get a minute. Keep in touch and good luck. Let me know, Brad

02-06-2005, 09:50 PM	#17
saxmo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cleveland, Texas Posts: 298	ok . I'll check it out, when I get to the bone yard __________________ 2004 Corvette Coupe Black LS1 (daily driver) 1973 Ford Bronco (resto/mod @ 95%) 1991 GMC sportside Pickup Truck, 468c.i.d. ('nuff said) 1997 Ford F150 4.2L 500k+ miles (trash hauler) 2011 Nissan Juke (wife's daily driver) 1943 Ford GPW WWII jeep (waiting its' turn)



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02-06-2005, 10:25 PM	#18
bisquik65 Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: N.C. high country Posts: 6,107	I used one from a 94 S-10 blazer 4.3 On my 69 K/20 Just make sure you use a water pump for the same year of brackets you use,All serpentine belt water pumps turn reverse rotation and if you dont use the right one your motor will overheat. You dont want that... Just take the back cover off the orignal one and the new one and you will see the difference.... Dont want anyone to ruin a good motor... to check this...Erick Attached Images Last edited by bisquik65; 02-06-2005 at 10:31 PM.

02-08-2005, 03:27 PM	#19
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	Hot!rod: I know what a checkvalve does... But why is it needed in this assy? A tip I got, I think from Tx Firefighter, was to just remove the pressure fitting and install the one from the old pump. I did not know this and had a custom hose made. FREE FREE FREE FREE: Went to electric fans. Pretty sure I have a reverse rotation fan in the garage somewhere.... Free + freight. __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!!

02-08-2005, 03:39 PM	#20
Mixup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 358	I think the hose is different because the new pumps are metric and use an oring and the old pumps use a flare fitting. __________________ 1980 Chevy Shortbed Pickup 1969 Z28 engine Turbo 350

02-09-2005, 09:12 AM	#21
TEXAS 68 Vortec in the works Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Spring,Texas Posts: 735	Damn Dwyane, Nice Score __________________ 68? It's all figured out untill you get it apart. Is it Sunday yet??? 68 Project 68 SWB frame off/98 Vortec with stock FI/power everything. 95 ECLB 2500 with 346,000 on the clock(the original HD) 99 Lesabre-wifes ride 08 Crew Cab LTZ-All Mine 89 SWB 5/7 drop-Son's first ride.

02-09-2005, 09:16 AM	#22
TEXAS 68 Vortec in the works Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Spring,Texas Posts: 735	BTW this is the set up on my 98 vortec I'm using Attached Images __________________ 68? It's all figured out untill you get it apart. Is it Sunday yet??? 68 Project 68 SWB frame off/98 Vortec with stock FI/power everything. 95 ECLB 2500 with 346,000 on the clock(the original HD) 99 Lesabre-wifes ride 08 Crew Cab LTZ-All Mine 89 SWB 5/7 drop-Son's first ride.

02-09-2005, 10:45 AM	#24
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Here is my question....if you look at the picture that DEAN23 posted early in this thread, can anyone identify the pulley where the A/C compressor should be (almost like an A/C delete)? I will not be running air for quite a while, and want something just like that instead of buying a shorter belt and having an unused bracket up there looking lonely. If anyone can supply me with one if those, I have money waiting. Thanks __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

02-09-2005, 11:04 AM	#25
hot!rod Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 58	Chickenwing, That fitting on the back of the pump is the check valve I'm talkin bout. I am glad to see someone else did this too. I was beginning to wonder if I just missed something. Putter, I'm not positive, but almost positive that IS a delete pulley. I have a GM part number for that in the shop, I will have to find it. Good luck, Brad __________________ Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?

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