serpentine systems

[stunna]

Does anyone know what the major advantages of having a 1 belt serpentine system vs a 2 belt system besides the look, and are there any good priced systems out there that don't cost an arm and a leg.

[Ackattack]

the advantage that I've noticed is most of them don't requuire removing the fan to put the belt on. Also, most of them have a spring loaded idler pully so you don't have to mess with adjusting the tension on them

I think the TPI camaro/corvette v8 engines started using serpentine systems in 88. I would assume that the truck v8 and 4.3L v6 also started using them about the same time.

I know my 97 Tahoe had a serp. setup.

[BACKYARD88]

GMPP sells a pretty reasonably priced kit.
12497697 no A/C GM list 701.00
12497698 with A/C GM list 964.00
I think you can buy them through Jegs a little cheaper.
12497698 through Jegs is 759.99
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...10002_94398_-1

[Rust Buster]

Yeah, the GMPP system looks pretty good, you get the water pump, alternator, A/C compressor and PS pump with all the idlers and pulleys for around $800...

Will the A/C compressor be a plug and play for the 67-72 A/C systems though?

[BACKYARD88]

The GMPP kit comes with a R4 style compressor that mounts on the passengers side. I'd imagine you'd have to get some hoses made and probably purchase a few connectors to take care of the electrical portion.
Edit: The kit comes with a connector but I'm not sure if it's for the alternator or compressor.

[pcmcobra]

Try ebay. I got mine "less" water pump for $150. Water pump was $35 at oreilly's.
I'm glad I did the conversion. Will make it easier if you have to remove an accessory or the belt. On my 86 the 88-92 iroc/firebird ac lines are supposed to bolt right up, I heard 89-91 blazer ac lines will also. I am on the hunt for some ac lines, the ones I got with my setup were not correct.

[TN70C10]

go to the junk yard and get the setup for 50 bucks then you can take you 800 put a few hundred more with it and have a set of aluminum heads. no way i would pay 800 for serpintine when you can get heads for about the same price.

[randomhero472]

i've read where people have been robbing them off junk yard cars.. for next to nothing, somthing to check into for sure

[65-72 chevytoys]

junkyard is the way to go clean and repaint and save yourself $700

[BACKYARD88]

If you want to go the junkyard route you can use the parts off of 4.3 V6 out of s-10s and astro vans and 4.3, 5.0, & 5.7 out of fullsize trucks. There are a few different designs but they will all work just cut off the electrical connectors in case you need them. Some other models will work too but these are the most common.

[lofly'a]

words of advice, based on experience. the serpentine system is far superior as far as service and service life, but if you do the conversion try to get the cast aluminum bracket system and use all of it. if you use the stamped steel one piece system use all the brackets and braces that came with it (and there are quite a few) because those are prone to vibration/stress cracks. i've welded quite a few steel ones back together that have cracked and or broken off, (this usually causes other heartaches too) mostly because someone worked on the engine and did'nt put all the bolts back in or did'nt tighten them. the beauty of this system is one belt, a lot quieter than a v-belt setup, you'll get at least 100k miles before any parts wear out, and you can carry a spare belt in a very small place.......... and you only need one wrench to change it out. go for it.

[BACKYARD88]

Originally Posted by lofly'a

words of advice, based on experience. the serpentine system is far superior as far as service and service life, but if you do the conversion try to get the cast aluminum bracket system and use all of it. if you use the stamped steel one piece system use all the brackets and braces that came with it (and there are quite a few) because those are prone to vibration/stress cracks. i've welded quite a few steel ones back together that have cracked and or broken off, (this usually causes other heartaches too) mostly because someone worked on the engine and did'nt put all the bolts back in or did'nt tighten them. the beauty of this system is one belt, a lot quieter than a v-belt setup, you'll get at least 100k miles before any parts wear out, and you can carry a spare belt in a very small place.......... and you only need one wrench to change it out. go for it.

Good point. The style that has the big "horseshoe" bracket and the other steel ones are prone to cracking especially at the alternator mounting points. Make sure and use all of the braces.

[Zoomad75]

Here's the mother of all serpentine threads:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=233335

3 pages of good info there.

[Jonce]

I have the GMPP serpentine on my GMPP crate motor (came from an older engine with v-belt setup). I love this one belt system, seems to be the first thing people notice when I lift the hood.

[stunna]

guys thanks for all of this valuable information, you guys are soooo smart!!