Im at the point in my resto that I’m researching serpentine system setups for my 74. I have read various threads that states 80’s style Camaro and truck systems will bolt on to SBC’s.

I’m interested in doing the serpentine system on my 74 with the BPE 357 crate.
For now, I plan to run without ac, but may eventually install a vintage air kit.
So, if I install a truck or Camaro serpentine system, sans a/c compressor, does anyone know if I’d need an ac delete pulley, or just a shorter serp belt?

My car was originally an ac car (with the compressor missing and all the controls were fumbled up from PO named Bubba), and I got the new Lectric Limited wiring harness for an ac car, just in case.

I really don’t want to put the dash back together, just to decide later to install VA system, but really need to put that $$ towards the transmission right now.

Which brings me to my next dilemma…
My car is a factory TH400 car, and the trans was pulling and shifting fine (for the 2 weeks I got to drive it prior to starting resto), but it was leaking. Everywhere.
I really don’t want to put it back in so it can spew trans fluid all over my clean and fresh painted POR15 frame.

I was quoted $2K to rebuild the 400, or I can purchase a rebuilt unit online for the same $$. But I’d realllly love to upgrade to a 5-speed manual trans, but will cost me at least twice the money.
I suppose I could purchase a used manual trans, plus accessories, but it’s a gamble. What manual trans would you guys recommend for a weekend cruiser, with 3.08 rear end gears, and a hood deal of spirited driving on mountain roads? No strip racing for me.

If I go this route, then there’s definitely no VA in my foreseeable future, unless I put off finishing my build for yet another year….
What say ye? Open to suggestions and input.

 

The truck bracket setup is too tall.

The camaro and vette would likely work fine. You would need the A/C delete if your not running a compressor.

I'd just reseal the TH400 but I am a transmission guy

 

I tried the junk yard route on my 75 looking for the correct brackets. Huge waste of time and money...I went into the GM Chevy parts catalog and got correct brackets, water pump and pully's from the Chevy parts counter. Part number 19418818 is the kit with A/c....19418819 is kit w/o A/C. These fit Gen 1 style engines. catalog also gives dimensions, belt included...Check this out first before going back and forth to the bone yard.

 

Check topic history on this ...I believe there is much info out there as well as pics..

 

Not sure of the availability or costs now, but a number of years ago I put a L98 from an '86 vette in my 78. Same block as the 350 and there is plenty of room in the engine compartment for all the accessories. I actually put the a/c compressor on it along with an air pump delete pulley. A/C isn't hooked up but it doesn't get in the way,, and it's there whenever I get to that part in my plan. Only issue I had was getting the correct belt for the air pump delete. Maybe you can track down some of those brackets. Whatever route you go you will need a reverse rotation ps pump, at least I needed that on my L98. You might even come across a junker engine with all the stuff on it. Just another option. But as said, do a good search here and find out what works and what doesn't.

 

I believe David Howard used a 3rd Gen Camaro style serpentine set up on his Owens tribute build, factory unit and easy to get parts/ add or delete components.

Dave

 

I thought several people on this site reported using Truck serpentine set-ups. I have a 90 Chevy Truck that was born without AC and a 90 Blazer With AC. The non AC set ups were probably not very popular, but they are out there. I haven't noticed either of these sticking up excessively high. These should be available at any junkyard significantly cheaper than an aftermarket setup.

Rick
Big Block 69

 

Ill look closer into the Camaro and C4 vette systems.
I was hoping to reseal/overhaul the 400, but one company I spoke to said there’s seals inside that need to be replaced as well, and that they will only rebuild the trans. Maybe for warranty issues? I don’t know.
Im waiting to hear back from another company to see if they say the same thing.

 

Thank you for the info. I’ll look into these part numbers.

 

Thanks Kanvasman. Didn’t know about the reverse rotation ps pump.

 

Thanks, Dave.
I’ll check out David Howard’s setup.

 

Thanks Rick.
I’ll research that some more.

 

The truck setup will definitely work, I put one in my '74 with a stock hood.

 

I'm rebuilding a 4L60E and there definatly are some seals that should be replaced. They shrink or harden so much that clutches burn up/delayed shifting/etc.

Buy one of these for your TH400 and DIY the trans...step by step instructions with lots of photos....

 

Ditch the TH400 and get an overdrive, cost will be the same or close. Or do it right and go with a 5 or 6 speed stick!

Trust me, the truck serpentine will fit.

 

I’ll look into that. Thx

 

Id love to ditch the auto, but having just spent close to $4K in repairs on my wife’s daily, it may have to wait.

 

I put a GM kit in my '73 (sourced from Summit Racing). I already had Vintage Air so I ordered the kit with the delete pulley. I had to source an R4 to Sanden compressor conversion bracket and I had to buy a new Sanden compressor with a 7 groove pulley (kit only needs 6 of those 7 grooves but a true 6 groove Sanden wasn't available). Works just fine. See my post #8 in this thread for more info: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...sion-kits.html

DC

 

I built my own pullies, made it simple IF you have a tool to cut grooves,& want to dick around with a project.

 

It took one drive in my 80 to convince my wife to ditch the automatic and TKX-swap her 79. Now I just have to do all the fiddly work, especially under the dash. Having a manual completely changes the driving experience, but is a lot of work, and expensive.

For the no-AC serpentine belt solution, I have an alternator mount from ICT Billet, and I plan to run an electric power steering pump. We could add AC later on the other wing, but this should keep the accessories clear of the upper A-Arms. $150, and more than double the alternator output. This only fits a Gen III or Gen IV LS engine. For a Gen I SBC, the prices seem ridiculous to do the same thing.

On an SBC, what does the serpentine drive gain you, after you've ditched the AC? You only have two belts, and a fairly compact system. My 79 runs that way right now. My 80 has a single belt for the alternator. Could you just swap over what you have for now, and use the cash for a manual conversion? There are folks selling 4-speeds, if you want to go cheap to start.