To Serpentine or Not? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hunter · 05-05-2005, 11:38 AM

Got all the pulleys, etc. with my 4-bolt 350, but before going this route, thought I'd ask you guyz why would YOU switch to a serpentine belt setup if you could and had all the stuff?

64fleetside · 05-05-2005, 11:43 AM

We did it on my bro's truck, sweet setup, wish I had it. His is GM from a 92 2500. Changed the fitting on the back of power steering pump & used the OE hose for 69. Alt puts out all kids of power. Had to have OE AC line redone by local hose man, he TIG'd another suction connection. Need reverse water pump & fan or go to electric fan. Brian

71HUGGER396 · 05-05-2005, 11:47 AM

I would never switch, I personly don't like the look. But that's just my opinion.

mocwon · 05-05-2005, 11:49 AM

I did switch and didn't have all the stuff, had to hunt it down and buy it. I switched to update the performance and look of the engine since I'm running a TPI setup.

chickenwing · 05-05-2005, 11:53 AM

I switched. Trust the serpentine more n the belts. CS-130 alt was nice too.

Putter · 05-05-2005, 12:41 PM

I did it....and L-O-V-E it. Plus, it looks pretty cool, too.

FirstGen · 05-05-2005, 12:48 PM

v-belts don't seem to stay on as well at 6,000+ rpms...

RainFade · 05-05-2005, 12:58 PM

I've been thinking about it to get rid of that 9 mile long ac compressor in favor of the newer round unit and get the alt out of the way for some taller valve covers.

I've been thinking a 4.3 would be a good donor but wonder what others are using ?

CHEVYE · 05-05-2005, 01:24 PM

a 4.3 will work just fine. the one putter has posted above is from a 4.3 you also don't have to worry about adjusting the belts just right. say goodbye to whining and squealing belts too. if you run big power like i had in my 66 chevy 2, you'll almost definetally sling a belt when you crank 8 grand on the tach.

hotrodmtodd · 05-05-2005, 02:03 PM

Has anybody done it with a big block? To go one step further, how about with a blower? I would be very interested to talk to THAT guy (or gal)! Would like to eliminate all factory brackets and get a complete setup compatible with my WEIAND SC. Any chances at all? Hot Rod

mocwon · 05-05-2005, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodmtodd

Has anybody done it with a big block? To go one step further, how about with a blower? I would be very interested to talk to THAT guy (or gal)! Would like to eliminate all factory brackets and get a complete setup compatible with my WEIAND SC. Any chances at all? Hot Rod

Blowers typically require their own belt/pulley setup that run a substantially wider and stouter serpentine type belt. A buddy of mine has a fuel injected blower on a 68 Camaro with a big block (1,000 HP at the rear wheels) and it has its own belt/pulley setup.

CHEVYE · 05-05-2005, 02:29 PM

my neighbor has a blower on his car and i bet that belt is a good 3" wide.

you can get a big block serpentine set up. "harold shepard" has one on his truck.

ratfreak888 · 05-05-2005, 08:52 PM

v- belts may come off at high rpm (mine do) but when you loose a serp. belt you loose everything including the waterpump i.e. no limping home

cableguy0 · 05-05-2005, 09:20 PM

but you wont ever lose a serp belt unless something drastic happens or your too lazy to do maintenance and your running a dry cracked belt.even if a component locks up on a v belt system you can lose all your belts if say a water pump goes or something of that sort but yet again if you maintenance and check things every once in a while a bad bearing will be a noisey bearing before it locks up

*screamin_c102* · 05-05-2005, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableguy0

but you wont ever lose a serp belt unless something drastic happens or your too lazy to do maintenance and your running a dry cracked belt.even if a component locks up on a v belt system you can lose all your belts if say a water pump goes or something of that sort but yet again if you maintenance and check things every once in a while a bad bearing will be a noisey bearing before it locks up

hotrodmtodd · 05-05-2005, 11:50 PM

Yeah, the roots type blower has it own seperate belt, but it is not like a 6-71 style blower. It is a very low profile (underhood, '70 Chevelle) and the belt is much narrower, but I need a setup for the rest of the components. Maybe I will try to PM Harold on what he went with. Thanks folks, Hot Rod

tmcgrawlookalike · 05-05-2005, 11:57 PM

i`ve got v belts still,a 120 amp cs-130 alternator,gates belts,ran it 6-6500 rpm several times,street and strip,and never thrown the belts.i`m happy

R@nger · 05-06-2005, 12:00 AM

Hehe ok I have a question...what is a serpentine belt?

And yes you can call be a n00b

.

CHEVIBUBBA · 05-06-2005, 12:23 AM

but you won't ever lose a V-BELT unless something drastic happens or your too lazy to do proper maintenance & your running a dry cracked belt.
see how that sh*t works cableguy0?
a properly aligned v-belt system with pulleys & brackets designed to handle 8000 rpm will not come off at 8000rpm.racers have been using them for years.
i personally have seen serpentine systems come off at 6k rpm.
fact is, it wasn't designed to handle the forces imparted on it at that rpm!
if you plan to turn such rpms, get a setup designed for it.don't watch a stock or "looks good" setup fly apart & then talk trash on it because you pushed it beyond it's design limits.
as for my opinion;for the street the serpentine setups have proven their reliability.they seem to be more efficient & have better traction on the alternator.
install it right,carry a spare belt & enjoy the benefits.
for high rpm applications you better have a system designed for it.

for noob:http://www.jiffylube.com/HowCarsWork...entinebelt.htm

R@nger · 05-06-2005, 12:54 AM

Hehe ty sensei!

cableguy0 · 05-06-2005, 02:35 AM

nahh i change my v belts every 5-8k miles because i wring them off and shred em going 6500 all the time. its proven a v belt will shred around 6500 rpm. a true RACE car isnt seeing any street miles and if it is they are minimal. whats run at the track and whats run on the street is two totally different things. there really arent any benefits to a v-belt except maybe slippage and constant adjustment needed.if v-belts were so great they woulda never stopped running them on modern vehicles

Jason915 · 05-06-2005, 09:40 AM

I want to do it as long as I can keep my alt on the drivers side.

Putter · 05-06-2005, 10:17 AM

Well, if we all agreed and ran the same setup....we would all run the same speed, get the same gas mileage, and be bored to tears.
We gripe when we are the same & then gripe when we differ. I run what I run because it is what I want. I like to see different setups and find out "how" they perform.
Bottom line, if YOU like it, run it.

Did I mention that this is a GREAT BOARD?!

Purs · 05-06-2005, 11:15 AM

I've been very please with my psuedo serpentine setup. I think it's off an 86 or 87 1 ton.... serpentine belt for the crank, alt, and waterpump. v-belt for the power steering. haven't had a problem yet, with many bursts around 6500...

CHEVYE · 05-06-2005, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purs

I've been very please with my psuedo serpentine setup. I think it's off an 86 or 87 1 ton.... serpentine belt for the crank, alt, and waterpump. v-belt for the power steering. haven't had a problem yet, with many bursts around 6500...

that's what i run on my truck. i like it too. it's less bulky to me and i've had no issues with it.

05-05-2005, 11:38 AM	#1
Hunter Lovin' Arizona Since 1961 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Camp Verde, Arizona Posts: 173	To Serpentine or Not? Got all the pulleys, etc. with my 4-bolt 350, but before going this route, thought I'd ask you guyz why would YOU switch to a serpentine belt setup if you could and had all the stuff? __________________ "Religion is like a toothbrush: Everybody should have one, but I don't want yours" - Will Rogers

05-05-2005, 11:43 AM	#2
64fleetside Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: arkieland Posts: 1,070	We did it on my bro's truck, sweet setup, wish I had it. His is GM from a 92 2500. Changed the fitting on the back of power steering pump & used the OE hose for 69. Alt puts out all kids of power. Had to have OE AC line redone by local hose man, he TIG'd another suction connection. Need reverse water pump & fan or go to electric fan. Brian Last edited by 64fleetside; 05-05-2005 at 11:51 AM.

05-05-2005, 11:49 AM	#4
mocwon Keep On Truckin' Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Buda, Texas Posts: 1,354	I did switch and didn't have all the stuff, had to hunt it down and buy it. I switched to update the performance and look of the engine since I'm running a TPI setup. __________________ Just Passin' Thru Some projects are like herding cats; others are like putting out fires; this one was like herding cats on fire.....

05-05-2005, 11:53 AM	#5
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	I switched. Trust the serpentine more n the belts. CS-130 alt was nice too. __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!!

05-05-2005, 12:41 PM	#6
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	I did it....and L-O-V-E it. Plus, it looks pretty cool, too. __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

05-05-2005, 11:47 AM	#3
71HUGGER396 Confirmed Truckaholic Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Sarver,PA 16055 Posts: 732	I would never switch, I personly don't like the look. But that's just my opinion.

05-05-2005, 12:48 PM	#7
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	v-belts don't seem to stay on as well at 6,000+ rpms... __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

05-05-2005, 12:58 PM	#8
RainFade Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 215	I've been thinking about it to get rid of that 9 mile long ac compressor in favor of the newer round unit and get the alt out of the way for some taller valve covers. I've been thinking a 4.3 would be a good donor but wonder what others are using ? __________________ 71 K20 350/350/205, dealer air, 4" lift, Flowtech,Edel 1406 on 2101, procomp HEI,4.10's, 33x12.50x16.5 BFG MT's on slots. 4 wheel disc brakes. My lame K20 page My lame Eaton disc brake page

05-05-2005, 01:24 PM	#9
CHEVYE my gas saver Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 2,046	a 4.3 will work just fine. the one putter has posted above is from a 4.3 you also don't have to worry about adjusting the belts just right. say goodbye to whining and squealing belts too. if you run big power like i had in my 66 chevy 2, you'll almost definetally sling a belt when you crank 8 grand on the tach. __________________ 85' SWB, 4.3/TH350, getting ready for paint 84`SWB, 462ci./TH400, cowl hood, 15" billet spec., flows, blazer buckets/console, flat black 71`SWB, project ebay feedback

05-05-2005, 02:03 PM	#10
hotrodmtodd 'Burban Legend Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mingo Junction OH Posts: 918	BB and Roots type supercharger? Has anybody done it with a big block? To go one step further, how about with a blower? I would be very interested to talk to THAT guy (or gal)! Would like to eliminate all factory brackets and get a complete setup compatible with my WEIAND SC. Any chances at all? Hot Rod

05-05-2005, 02:29 PM	#12
CHEVYE my gas saver Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 2,046	my neighbor has a blower on his car and i bet that belt is a good 3" wide. you can get a big block serpentine set up. "harold shepard" has one on his truck. __________________ 85' SWB, 4.3/TH350, getting ready for paint 84`SWB, 462ci./TH400, cowl hood, 15" billet spec., flows, blazer buckets/console, flat black 71`SWB, project ebay feedback

05-05-2005, 08:52 PM	#13
ratfreak888 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 104	v- belts may come off at high rpm (mine do) but when you loose a serp. belt you loose everything including the waterpump i.e. no limping home

05-05-2005, 09:20 PM	#14
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	but you wont ever lose a serp belt unless something drastic happens or your too lazy to do maintenance and your running a dry cracked belt.even if a component locks up on a v belt system you can lose all your belts if say a water pump goes or something of that sort but yet again if you maintenance and check things every once in a while a bad bearing will be a noisey bearing before it locks up __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

05-05-2005, 11:50 PM	#16
hotrodmtodd 'Burban Legend Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mingo Junction OH Posts: 918	Seperate Belt Yeah, the roots type blower has it own seperate belt, but it is not like a 6-71 style blower. It is a very low profile (underhood, '70 Chevelle) and the belt is much narrower, but I need a setup for the rest of the components. Maybe I will try to PM Harold on what he went with. Thanks folks, Hot Rod

05-05-2005, 11:57 PM	#17
tmcgrawlookalike Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: warr acres,oklahoma Posts: 650	i`ve got v belts still,a 120 amp cs-130 alternator,gates belts,ran it 6-6500 rpm several times,street and strip,and never thrown the belts.i`m happy



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05-06-2005, 12:00 AM	#18
R@nger Psalm 23 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 360	Hehe ok I have a question...what is a serpentine belt? And yes you can call be a n00b . __________________ 71 GMC Fleetside C15(cab), 3/4 ton, 350, Holley Street Avenger 570cfm carb, TH350 trans, Leaf-springs, 2WD. "Peter are you sleeping on the job? No I have a bug in my eye and I'm trying to suffocate him." - Family Guy

05-06-2005, 12:23 AM	#19
CHEVIBUBBA got boost? Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 123	but you won't ever lose a V-BELT unless something drastic happens or your too lazy to do proper maintenance & your running a dry cracked belt. see how that sht works cableguy0? a properly aligned v-belt system with pulleys & brackets designed to handle 8000 rpm will not come off at 8000rpm.racers have been using them for years. i personally have seen serpentine systems come off at 6k rpm. fact is, it wasn't designed to handle the forces imparted on it at that rpm! if you plan to turn such rpms, get a setup designed for it.don't watch a stock or "looks good" setup fly apart & then talk trash on it because you pushed it beyond it's design limits. as for my opinion;for the street the serpentine setups have proven their reliability.they seem to be more efficient & have better traction on the alternator. install it right,carry a spare belt & enjoy the benefits. for high rpm applications you better have a system designed for it. for noob:http://www.jiffylube.com/HowCarsWork...entinebelt.htm __________________ '70 chevy lwb w/'67 hood. 357 s.b.c. built, 4l60 w/vigilante lockup high stall converter, edelbrock pro-flo,brodix heads,comp cams rollerized w/ belt drive, one piece d-shaft, yada, yada, yada..... '82 honda v45 sabre"the black" Last edited by CHEVIBUBBA; 05-06-2005 at 12:36 AM.*

05-06-2005, 12:54 AM	#20
R@nger Psalm 23 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 360	Hehe ty sensei! __________________ 71 GMC Fleetside C15(cab), 3/4 ton, 350, Holley Street Avenger 570cfm carb, TH350 trans, Leaf-springs, 2WD. "Peter are you sleeping on the job? No I have a bug in my eye and I'm trying to suffocate him." - Family Guy

05-06-2005, 02:35 AM	#21
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	nahh i change my v belts every 5-8k miles because i wring them off and shred em going 6500 all the time. its proven a v belt will shred around 6500 rpm. a true RACE car isnt seeing any street miles and if it is they are minimal. whats run at the track and whats run on the street is two totally different things. there really arent any benefits to a v-belt except maybe slippage and constant adjustment needed.if v-belts were so great they woulda never stopped running them on modern vehicles __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

05-06-2005, 09:40 AM	#22
Jason915 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 693	I want to do it as long as I can keep my alt on the drivers side. __________________ 1971 GMC K1500 SWB Fleetside, 4" skyjacker softride and, 14 Bolt FF, HD Dana 44 4.10's 1970 K5 TBI conversion lifted etc SOLD 1968 C20 camper truck SOLD “To ban guns because criminals use them is to tell the innocent and law-abiding that their rights and liberties depend not on their own conduct, but on the conduct of the guilty and the lawless.” Jeff Snyder

05-06-2005, 10:17 AM	#23
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Well, if we all agreed and ran the same setup....we would all run the same speed, get the same gas mileage, and be bored to tears. We gripe when we are the same & then gripe when we differ. I run what I run because it is what I want. I like to see different setups and find out "how" they perform. Bottom line, if YOU like it, run it. Did I mention that this is a GREAT BOARD?! __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

05-06-2005, 11:15 AM	#24
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	I've been very please with my psuedo serpentine setup. I think it's off an 86 or 87 1 ton.... serpentine belt for the crank, alt, and waterpump. v-belt for the power steering. haven't had a problem yet, with many bursts around 6500... Attached Images __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." Last edited by Purs; 05-06-2005 at 11:24 AM.

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