serpentine belt conversion

[Tx Firefighter]

The 88-89 version of the brackets were steel and a poor design. They often cracked and broke bolts off in the block. So much so, that GM was forced to redesign them in 1990 due to excessive warranty claims.

Here is the 88-89 type (off of my old 89).





So, they redesigned them to the aluminum brackets. These were splendid and bulletproof. They're ideal for a conversion. I just converted my 4x4 from the (broken) steel bracketry to the later aluminum ones last weekend. These brackets were used from 1990-1995. The power steering pump, alternator, AC compressor and all pulleys directly interchange from the steel 88-89 brackets and the aluminum 90-95 brackets.









Then, in 1996 when the Vortec engine came out, the brackets changed again. The alternator and air conditioning compressor swapped places. Also, the new type of AC compressor came into play. I do not have any pictures of these brackets as I haven't personally done one of those swaps yet. So, I stole one from Google.



Something I did learn this weekend, and it's a biggie, you can reuse your original power steering pump when you convert to serpentine. The serp pulley simply presses onto the pump in place of the V belt type of pulley. I wound up using an 87 model V belt power steering pump on my 4x4 with the 90-95 type aluminum serpentine brackets. No mods. Just make sure you press the pulley on the proper distance as the earlier pumps used a slightly shorter shaft and the pulley doesn't press on flush like it did on the serpentine application. You'll see the witness mark where the old V belt pulley wasn't pressed on flush either so GM did it that way purposefully.

[JWall]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

The 88-89 version of the brackets were steel and a poor design. They often cracked and broke bolts off in the block. So much so, that GM was forced to redesign them in 1990 due to excessive warranty claims.

Well I learned something today. I had wondered about the change.
I have the 88-89 style on my 76 & have had good luck with it... of course now I will have paranoia about my set up

[Tx Firefighter]

The 88-89 type aren't so bad as long as all bolts are present and fully torqued and the support rods between the brackets and engine are all there. Loose bolts or missing rods will cause cracks eventually. It's guaranteed.

But, while properly installed and in place they work fine. You can see my personal setup in the first few pictures, and I spent a bunch of time powdercoating them. They aren't anything to worry about if you install them properly.

[slimneverdies]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

The 88-89 version of the brackets were steel and a poor design. They often cracked and broke bolts off in the block. So much so, that GM was forced to redesign them in 1990 due to excessive warranty claims.

Here is the 88-89 type (off of my old 89).





So, they redesigned them to the aluminum brackets. These were splendid and bulletproof. They're ideal for a conversion. I just converted my 4x4 from the (broken) steel bracketry to the later aluminum ones last weekend. These brackets were used from 1990-1995. The power steering pump, alternator, AC compressor and all pulleys directly interchange from the steel 88-89 brackets and the aluminum 90-95 brackets.









Then, in 1996 when the Vortec engine came out, the brackets changed again. The alternator and air conditioning compressor swapped places. Also, the new type of AC compressor came into play. I do not have any pictures of these brackets as I haven't personally done one of those swaps yet. So, I stole one from Google.



Something I did learn this weekend, and it's a biggie, you can reuse your original power steering pump when you convert to serpentine. The serp pulley simply presses onto the pump in place of the V belt type of pulley. I wound up using an 87 model V belt power steering pump on my 4x4 with the 90-95 type aluminum serpentine brackets. No mods. Just make sure you press the pulley on the proper distance as the earlier pumps used a slightly shorter shaft and the pulley doesn't press on flush like it did on the serpentine application. You'll see the witness mark where the old V belt pulley wasn't pressed on flush either so GM did it that way purposefully.

I have the 88-89 style brackets for a 454 big block. Do you know if this style alternator would fit the brackets if I changed the pulley on front of it? curious if the holes line up and also the serpentine pulley. Its brand new so I don't want to buy another one
http://m.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-47294

http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/x...pslv4w2e7g.jpg

also, where do I get the supporting bolts and tension pulleys for the brackets?

thanks
Slim