Advice/Thoughts on serpentine/front drive systems

[1964GMC]

Looking to put a serpentine drive system on my 283. I have no bolts in the heads, so looking at aftermarket systems. This will be a daily driver so I'm looking for the most reliable and trouble free unit. I like the Vintage Air front runner set up, mainly because of the idler pulley. Plus it just looks more rigid/sturdy. I'm also planning on running the Vintage Air A/C system as well.
Anybody have any thoughts or experiences?

[Chevy Fleetside]

Link?

[RLag]

This is a bit pricey but here is my new March Protrack II on a bbc - does not attach to the heads.

[par4tom]

I just did the same thing you are wanting to do on my sbc. I used the March Brackets kit but on my kit, the bottom alternator bolt is tied into the head. However, they do offer another kit that hangs off the water pump which would work on yours. I have the 6 rib belt with power steering.

Sorry about the pic angle...

[doobiebro]

Not sure how a serpentine belt assy will mount without the threaded holes on the heads? Haven't seen any kits but I'm sure they are out there...
This is what I did - post 4. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=580055

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by doobiebro

Not sure how a serpentine belt assy will mount without the threaded holes on the heads? Haven't seen any kits but I'm sure they are out there...
This is what I did - post 4. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=580055

I like those late serpentine brackets, I'm thinking of going that way myself.

[par4tom]

Nice work there on that motor...nice and simple!!!

[Dubnova]

I have used the Vintage Air Front Runner on several engines and they are really good. Very pricey but, you might be able to call Vintage Air and talk them out of some sort of package deal. Worth a try.

[Jimal]

I'm definitely going the serpentine belt route. I found a link to a Hot Rod magazine article that describes how to do this swap on the cheap, using a combination of wrecking yard and Rock Auto Parts for less than $300 (in 2009 at least).

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/...ne-belt-drive/

[Joe Pass]

Originally Posted by par4tom

I just did the same thing you are wanting to do on my sbc. I used the March Brackets kit but on my kit, the bottom alternator bolt is tied into the head. However, they do offer another kit that hangs off the water pump which would work on yours. I have the 6 rib belt with power steering.

Sorry about the pic angle...

Very nice.....

[1964GMC]

Thanks for the input. I wish that I had drilled heads, then the stock late model set up would work nicely. Not building a show truck, just a good daily driver and toad for the motorhome.
I'm forced to use a system that hangs from the water pump. March, Billet Specialities, Vintage Air, are the main ones that I've looked at. Just not a big fan of the way March's bracket's look. I'm looking for understated and function, not HELLO, LOOK AT ME! hahaha
Leaning real hard toward the Vintage Air setup. I like the understated look of it, and I like the use of a real spring loaded idler pulley. Probably going with their Black system. Anything polished or chrome, the salt air here on the Gulf Coast attacks it. My T-Bucket is rusting away,,,,

[doobiebro]

Originally Posted by 1964GMC

Thanks for the input. I wish that I had drilled heads, then the stock late model set up would work nicely. Not building a show truck, just a good daily driver and toad for the motorhome.
I'm forced to use a system that hangs from the water pump. March, Billet Specialities, Vintage Air, are the main ones that I've looked at. Just not a big fan of the way March's bracket's look. I'm looking for understated and function, not HELLO, LOOK AT ME! hahaha
Leaning real hard toward the Vintage Air setup. I like the understated look of it, and I like the use of a real spring loaded idler pulley. Probably going with their Black system. Anything polished or chrome, the salt air here on the Gulf Coast attacks it. My T-Bucket is rusting away,,,,

Like to see some pics?..

[BigDan3131]

I would contact Kwik Performance they can build it anyway to work with what you have. When my former boss called them they were very friendly and knew exactly what we needed and shipped it fast.

[Jimal]

I have my brackets and I ordered up the new accessories last week. I think my biggest concern at the moment is the mount sticking off the front of the manifold, and whether I'll need to trim it in order to get the driver's side bracket on.

[Jimal]

Completed my serpentine conversion over the weekend. Ended up not needing to do anything with the generator/AC mount off the exhaust manifold.