Converting to serpentine system
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
As you can see there are lots of options. For me I got a Serp system from a early 90's Camaro (I think it was a 91).
Its not as good looking as many of these but it'll do and was in my budget.
Just remember some Serp system require the use of a reverse water pump, like the one I have. So make sure what ever system you get will work.
Its not as good looking as many of these but it'll do and was in my budget.
Just remember some Serp system require the use of a reverse water pump, like the one I have. So make sure what ever system you get will work.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
From: Bastrop Texas
U17: I really appreciate the information. Would you recommend the same set up for my 76 which has a ZZ4(350 with 355hp/405 torque)hooked to a 700R4.
Your Vette is one great looking 76, and I will assume it is a big high to drive. It looks mean and fast.
Again, thank you very much.
Your Vette is one great looking 76, and I will assume it is a big high to drive. It looks mean and fast.
Again, thank you very much.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 5
From: N.Richland Hills Texas
I would recommend it !!! Do it once correctly... I know I keep saying it on the Forum but I just finished the "Long Haul" on the Power Tour... Never opened the hood... Kept smiling the whole way....!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
From: Bastrop Texas
U17: I'm not familiar with the Power Tour. I belong to a local classic car club that has about 100 members of which 15 own Corvettes. We do rod runs, wine tours, show and shines, and car shows. No matter the reason, it is just great to caravann with a group of classic/muscle cars. Four of us Corvette owners are doing the Vettes and Jets on the Lexington in September. Do you belong to a car club?
I'm having a club member who does mechanic/body work to check out the parts you recommended, and plan to have him do the work after July 4th as we are doing a special show and shine at a local Hyatt Regency as part of the hotel's celebration.
I'm having a club member who does mechanic/body work to check out the parts you recommended, and plan to have him do the work after July 4th as we are doing a special show and shine at a local Hyatt Regency as part of the hotel's celebration.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
I bought a whole used serpentine with all the accessories for a 1989 Firebird 305 engine off of Ebay for $100.
I did not use the smog pump, water pump, and ac compressor from the Firebird. I replaced them with an ac compressor from an 87' vette and converted the system to R134A, an Edelbrock Victor Jr. reverse flow water pump for an 89' Firebird, and I just didn't reuse a smog pump. The Firebird crank pulley is too large, so I bought a March underdrive pulley kit for an 89' Firebird. I used the Firebird C130 alternator, but had to change the connector to hook up the wiring to it (there is threads on swapping to a CS alternator if you search). I used the Firebird power steering pump. Belt size was trial and error from Napa. I forget the part number. I cleaned up and painted all the aluminum accessory brackets with aluminum Rustoleum paint. I run Dewitt's aluminum rad./ dual fan setup. Also, older heads need one of the bolt holes drilled into the head for the accessory bracket, newer heads have all the mounting holes.
I did not use the smog pump, water pump, and ac compressor from the Firebird. I replaced them with an ac compressor from an 87' vette and converted the system to R134A, an Edelbrock Victor Jr. reverse flow water pump for an 89' Firebird, and I just didn't reuse a smog pump. The Firebird crank pulley is too large, so I bought a March underdrive pulley kit for an 89' Firebird. I used the Firebird C130 alternator, but had to change the connector to hook up the wiring to it (there is threads on swapping to a CS alternator if you search). I used the Firebird power steering pump. Belt size was trial and error from Napa. I forget the part number. I cleaned up and painted all the aluminum accessory brackets with aluminum Rustoleum paint. I run Dewitt's aluminum rad./ dual fan setup. Also, older heads need one of the bolt holes drilled into the head for the accessory bracket, newer heads have all the mounting holes.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
From: Bastrop Texas
MIKE80: First I want to thank you for responding to my thread. It looks like you did a great job with the used system...it certainly looks good. To do what you did, one needs to have some mechanical ability which I don't. I know you must have saved a lot of money doing it the way you did. I believe I'm going to have a friend install the March 20260 serpentine system & Be Cool 75007 Electric Fans recommended by U17.
Again, thanks for your information and the great pictures. You must be proud of your Vette, and the work you have done.
Again, thanks for your information and the great pictures. You must be proud of your Vette, and the work you have done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 5
From: N.Richland Hills Texas
U17: I'm not familiar with the Power Tour. I belong to a local classic car club that has about 100 members of which 15 own Corvettes. We do rod runs, wine tours, show and shines, and car shows. No matter the reason, it is just great to caravann with a group of classic/muscle cars. Four of us Corvette owners are doing the Vettes and Jets on the Lexington in September. Do you belong to a car club?
I'm having a club member who does mechanic/body work to check out the parts you recommended, and plan to have him do the work after July 4th as we are doing a special show and shine at a local Hyatt Regency as part of the hotel's celebration.
I'm having a club member who does mechanic/body work to check out the parts you recommended, and plan to have him do the work after July 4th as we are doing a special show and shine at a local Hyatt Regency as part of the hotel's celebration.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
From: Bastrop Texas
U17: When installing the MCH20260 was there trouble with the crank pulley clearing the front frame cross member, and was there a problem with the A/C compressor and alternator clearing the sides of the engine bay okay?
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Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
MIKE80: First I want to thank you for responding to my thread. It looks like you did a great job with the used system...it certainly looks good. To do what you did, one needs to have some mechanical ability which I don't. I know you must have saved a lot of money doing it the way you did. I believe I'm going to have a friend install the March 20260 serpentine system & Be Cool 75007 Electric Fans recommended by U17.
Again, thanks for your information and the great pictures. You must be proud of your Vette, and the work you have done.
Again, thanks for your information and the great pictures. You must be proud of your Vette, and the work you have done.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,374
Likes: 788
From: Redondo Beach, California
The GMPP Serpentine Kit is that same as the serpentine system sold on either (1) 90 to 91 Camaros and Firebirds or (2) 91 to 92 Camaros and Firebirds. I forget.
Anyhow, if you buy the kit with the accessories, it's a pretty darn good deal ...especially since you're getting all new stuff.
Anyhow, if you buy the kit with the accessories, it's a pretty darn good deal ...especially since you're getting all new stuff.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 3
From: VA/MD
I used a complete setup from an 88 vette to do mine. Pretty much went right in, had to drill the passenger head in the front for the 3'rd bolt hole and I had to make an idler wheel for the air pump. Other that that it was easy. Bead blasted all the parts and painted with rattle can chrome and clear coated.
Truck setups will work, of your going cheap but they don't look as good IMO. Then there are companies like March, way nice and way pricy.
Truck setups will work, of your going cheap but they don't look as good IMO. Then there are companies like March, way nice and way pricy.