Why serpentine?

[DirtyLarry]

I will take serpentine any day. I have converted my 78 K10 to serpentine twice….once when it had a small block and again when I swapped in the big block. I plan to do it on my 68' GMC as well.

A lot of people worry about the A/C compressor locking up and wiping the belt out. Well, if the A/C compressor does lock up, you very well may loose a serpentine belt but if the months and weeks of very audible bearing noise before the lock up did not get your attention then maybe sitting on the side of the road is well deserved.

The newer model A/C compressor the more reliable they are. The 88’ – 95’ R4 compressors were the worst (compressor in my the first pic), but will still gave you plenty of warning before they totally lock up. The later A/C compressors are 100% more reliable. (compressor in the second pic)

With serpentine you will get the minimum of 105 AMP alternator compared to a 63 AMP stock alternator for a pre-87 truck. The BB that I swapped in last summer runs 2000 model year L29 454 brackets and accessories with a 124 AMP alternator.

I personally think the serpentine system gives a much cleaner appearance than V belts, give a cool whistle noise at higher RPM’s and allows for a much more efficient A/C compressor and alternator….but like anything…everybody has their own opinion. Some people on this board still think breaker ignition and carburetors are the way to go to…..so go figure.