Serpentine Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
Serpentine Question
I would like to put a serpentine system on my 71 small block, and I was wondering if anyone has been able to eliminate the A.I.R. pump in doing this conversion. If not, are any of the after market systems like the March A.I.R. pump free? I don't see any need for the AIR on my car unless I upgrade to L98, LT1 or LS1. I am not ready for that cash out flow right now. All opinions, and advice welcome.
Thanks
Orville
Thanks
Orville
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
Originally Posted by rondo73
Orville, I have a March conversion ordered for my '73 small block which includes alternator, power steering, and AC compressor. . . no A.I.R.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Bossier City Louisiana
Orville, I don't have pictures but you can go to the March website @ www.marchperf.com and see what they got (sorry I am new at posting and don't know how to attach the link to the website).
Once you get to the site, click on Serpentine Conversion Gallery, Small Block Chevy. Scroll down to the image labeled "Outward Mount Alternator and AC" for the C3 application.
They are expensive but awesome systems. Hope this helps!
Once you get to the site, click on Serpentine Conversion Gallery, Small Block Chevy. Scroll down to the image labeled "Outward Mount Alternator and AC" for the C3 application.
They are expensive but awesome systems. Hope this helps!
Last edited by rondo73; Nov 28, 2005 at 07:30 AM. Reason: correction
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I have a stock 90 L98 (C4) serpentine setup on mine. Used an air pump eliminator from Breathless Performance. Requires a custom power steering pressure line and I used an 84 Alternator, which is a bolt in swap for stock C3 wiring (that alternator uses same lower bracket 85-91, get the air pump eliminator kit for an 84). I am very happy with the swap.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by 71rdster
I would like to put a serpentine system on my 71 small block, and I was wondering if anyone has been able to eliminate the A.I.R. pump in doing this conversion. If not, are any of the after market systems like the March A.I.R. pump free? I don't see any need for the AIR on my car unless I upgrade to L98, LT1 or LS1. I am not ready for that cash out flow right now. All opinions, and advice welcome.
Thanks
Orville
Thanks
Orville
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: IL
I have the March pulley w/o A.I.R. pump. It does require a different kit with the early style P/S with the nut that holds on the pulley vs pressed like later models. Thing I didn't like was only a dayco (?- different company maybe) belt was designed by them for use in their system. Nobody by me carries that style or stocked it so it would not be easy to find out on the road. Now it escapes me as to what company it was (NAPA's are dayco(?)) but I found something (NAPA) within 1/2" and is a common stocking item, but had to make a new tension rod to use it.
Looks awesome even though I'm still using the stock P/S fill neck and not the new polished one March has now. Pricey ststem but looks awesome and fits my Vette Rod project. Might have pictures of the engine in "MY PHOTOS" at left.
Later.
Looks awesome even though I'm still using the stock P/S fill neck and not the new polished one March has now. Pricey ststem but looks awesome and fits my Vette Rod project. Might have pictures of the engine in "MY PHOTOS" at left.
Later.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
My Serpentine kit (that appears in the GM Performance Parts catalog) came without a AIR pump. There was provisions to mount an AIR pump, but with the kit, the pump was essentially replaced with an idler pulley. If you're ordering the serpentine kit made by March, I would think they will build you a Serpentine set up that eliminates the AIR pump.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by markdtn
I think the GMPP kit is basically the same as a C4 setup. It uses an air pump eliminator idler like you can buy from Breathless.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
My understanding is that the GMPP Serpentine Kit is the same serpentine system installed on the 91/92 Firebirds and Cameros. As I recall some forum members obtained their GM serpentines from these cars in salvage yards.
