Serpentine Setup

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by Jim_PA

I guess I fail to see the advantage. Seems like a much more intricate setup than the trusty old v-belt and pulleys

The water pump has to be a reverse rotation pump and be run by the "backside" or flat side of the belt to work correctly.

[Jim_PA]

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

The water pump has to be a reverse rotation pump and be run by the "backside" or flat side of the belt to work correctly.

I was referring to a serpentine swap in general.

[hchad18]

Also on the car one the a/c and the alt set a little lower and apart. The truck version is up and together. I made a new pulley bracket for my smog pump area idler pulley because I thought it looked empty. I have one off a 91 blazer given to me because neighbor found a powder coated and chrome one. I think they look clean

[Strut]

I have a early 90's s10 with a 4.3 in my back yard. What would I need to get to pull everything off and put it on my 350??

[lclippard]

just a note to those who need it, NAPA carries Dorman products, one of which is A/C delete pulleys w/ brackets. i have the catalog, if anyone needs a part number, let me know.

[BossHogg69]

any big block setups??? I bought a serp setup off a '89 7.4L dually to use on the 468 I just built for my '69, but I haven't installed it. Would be interested in some BBC pics if you guys have any!

[cjaj70]

Originally Posted by BossHogg69

any big block setups??? I bought a serp setup off a '89 7.4L dually to use on the 468 I just built for my '69, but I haven't installed it. Would be interested in some BBC pics if you guys have any!

Don't have any pictures handy but, just installed same type of serpentine on a '71. The fittings on the power steering were different, we had a custom hose made and good to go. We also had to order a swivel thermostat housing. Will try to get pictures when I get some free time.

[BossHogg69]

Originally Posted by cjaj70

Don't have any pictures handy but, just installed same type of serpentine on a '71. The fittings on the power steering were different, we had a custom hose made and good to go. We also had to order a swivel thermostat housing. Will try to get pictures when I get some free time.

Yeah, I knew the hoses were different (flared vs. o-ringed) and I have a polished aluminum swivel water neck already. Love to see pics when you get a chance, thanks.

[Lugnut64052]

Originally Posted by Jim_PA

I guess I fail to see the advantage. Seems like a much more intricate setup than the trusty old v-belt and pulleys

I feel that a serpentine drive is a more reliable, simpler, quieter, longer-lived system.


I did the same as quite a few others-- got my whole system off an early '90s 5.7 truck.
I used the original rams horns exhaust and did have to make a couple of modifications, including,
1. Had to get a smaller, 18-inch reverse rotation fan to fit the original shroud. Also had to drill out the holes in the new fan to make it fit the stock fan clutch.
2. I did not drill the additional hole in the right head for the bracket. So far I haven't had any problems, but admittedly haven't driven it that much either.
3. Changed the relief valve in the back of the late model steering pump so my old hose would hook right up to it.
4. Modified one of the bracing rods to fit my older intake manifold.
5. Modified one of the power steering pump brackets to fit over the rams horn.

I documented all this in my build thread. It all worked out quite well and I'm happy with it.

[cjaj70]

Originally Posted by BossHogg69

Yeah, I knew the hoses were different (flared vs. o-ringed) and I have a polished aluminum swivel water neck already. Love to see pics when you get a chance, thanks.

We also had to go to local alternator shop and get a late model plug and rewire the alternator. If you have any other questions or need different pics just let me know.

[BossHogg69]

thanks a lot for the pics - that helps me out quite a bit!

[cjaj70]

Originally Posted by BossHogg69

thanks a lot for the pics - that helps me out quite a bit!

No problem, if there is anything else you need a picture of or anything else can do to help just holler.

[dukkie]

Originally Posted by Sammy

If you have that sorta cash they sure do look nice agreed. Mine came off a 93 Chevy 5.7. Removed the upper tension pully and had it powder coated with silver. Since I wasn't installing A/C I used a A/C delete pulley. And added twin Virgo Fans. Don't forget to get the upper and lower rad hoses. Especially the upper hose, in my case it was a bit longer over stock to reach the radiator. For the power steering pump swap your fitting out with your old pump fitting and that will save you from getting new line.

Tell me more about the ac delete pully.. Do you still use the original ac braclet?

[dwcsr]

Mine is from a 91 and I used the A/C delet pulley. You do need a shorter belt

[dukkie]

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

The water pump has to be a reverse rotation pump and be run by the "backside" or flat side of the belt to work correctly.

So the waterpump i took off the 94 suburban will not work? Or is that the reverse pump that i need?

[Sammy]

You must have the reverse water pump. (Also if you notice the pic with the A/C pump installed above) There is a rider pulley below the A/C pump, I had to remove that also using the delete a/c pulley because it would reject the serp belt whenever I would throttle the motor. Those delete pulleys are available on line and can be special ordered thru places like Auto-zone and such but be ready for some head scratching there. I ordered on line after doing a search on line for DELETE A/C PULLEY. That 94 surburban if it had a serp originally should be a reverse water pump.

[dukkie]

I also used a 94 suburban
got everything for 100 bucks at a junk yard

[joeelutz]

Hey, I'm not trying to hijack your thread, but I have this complete GM setup that I am selling for $350 because I went with a Vintage Air Front Runner setup. It has all the pulleys, brackets, GM waterpump, new alternator, new ps pump, used compressor, and new tensioner. I also will include all the Stainless allen bolts to attach it. The brackets were media blasted and clear coated. Just PM me if interested.

[chevelle]

Mines off of a 96 or so 4.3 blazer. I have TBI heads so i didnt have to drill any holes in them. no problems so far. and the best part is the hole thing was free! i swapped a motor in a customers blazer and the used motor came with everything. These pics are kinda old, since then i have installed a Vintage Air kit and the hoses bolt right up to the compressor with one of their adapters.

[1quik70]

[QUOTE=SactoJim;3667299]Here's mine....Concept One.

4,000 miles and no problems except I studded the mounting points on the heads cuz I had a bolt shear off.

QUOTE]

Can I ask what your advantages of running a serp. setup is since you are running an individual belt for each accessory anyway? Not a big deal, just wondering why you went that route over conventional. Also, who's Power steering pump is that? I need something like that to give me more room under the hood of my Big Block Nova!

[joeelutz]

Here are some pics of the new Front Runner setup. I really like it. It's very compact and well designed. I guess it should be for $2000. I'll take $350 for my old serpentine setup.

[BOZO]

I installed a setup from a 1999 4.3 V6 from a full size truck which looks just like the one in Chevelles post. It fit rather well, but let it be known that you cannot use the tall Edelbrock valve covers. The AC bracket barely clears the stock valve cover on the drivers side. Even using Edelbrock Signature series valve covers, I had to slightly modify the AC bracket and shim up the AC pump.
Nevertheless, I am very pleased with the swap. I now have a high amperage alternator and the best AC compressor that Chevrolet makes. If my computer guru ever gets back from Hawaii, I will be able to post a step by step installation.

[handsomerob]

this is the factory BB kit from GM performance:

Part Number: 19172805

Retails for around $900

See it here

Comes with everything you need.