I searched the forum, but didn't find any topics posted regarding this modification. I am considering doing this to my '80 using a GMPP kit. I have recently transplanted a 350 HO crate motor into the car, and as I have been installing the belted accessories, it became apparent as to how shoddy they look next to the new power plant. So, has anyone here installed the serpentine conversion, and was it a pretty straightforward process?

 

On my crage ZZ4, we used the 1989 Corvette brackets and accessories. The one change we had to make was swapping the water pump that came with the engine with an aluminum Edlebrock unit. We also had to buy the "air pump eliminator" bracket.

Vintage Air now makes a complete bolt-on system. We have used it in several cars with great success. It is a tad on the expensive side, but everything fits right the first time, and it is much more compact than other systems offered.

Spike

 

i say stick with v-belts! this way if one belt goes, everything else doesn't! thats what happened to my truck, and with alum. head we needed to do the head gaskets and valve guides because of it! i know the advantage but...... i think the v-belts are better

 

I used a Stewart Water pump, but pretty much the same thing. Also had to put a new p/s pump in. Got one for a '90 vette. had to make custom flared lines, but pretty straightforward. Also a remote resevoir.

Here is a link to my serp conversion page,

http://www.stacyandtim.com/Serpentine.htm

Pics of engine in my sig.. Used the air pump eliminator bracket from Breathless performace.

 

I've installed the GMPP serpentine kit on a '69 Camaro. The kit is complete, and it works well - no problem. Be sure to check and verify long versus short water pump - I used a long pump...

 

What are the advantages, other then easy belt replacement...lot of bucks to spend just to make it look purty....

 

In my case... needed the extra room for the plenum and throttle body to fit forward of the heads. V belt screwed me up with that. no room for plenum with the belts in the way. Also more room for the intake set up. After messing with the p/s pump and lines, I wished there was an esier way... Now that it is done.. am i glad.. yes.. easier to check. tensioner is great and the entire set-up looks "purty" and best of all is functional for my application

 

Did a home brewed version of a serp set up from a 89 f-body since I did not have a PS pump and needed it for Streeriods. Have yet to fire it up so not sure how well it is going to work.

 

I have a 91 Vette setup on mine. I have an air-pump eliminator. I like it very well. Use an 84-85 Alternator (and air-pump eliminator-LH large bracket is same through 91) and it plugs right into the C3 harness.

Somebody recently had photos of an F-body setup. Megladon maybe?

 

I have a GMPP Serpentine belt mounted on my ZZ4 which I plan to install in my 1968. The engine is mounted on a spare frame for fit puposes.

Installing the Serpentine belt kit is pretty easy, once you've done it once!! You get more parts than you need! Particularly there's two strut rod braces included. The Serpentine kit was originally used on 1991/1992 Camaro/Firebird engine. You can use these strut rods on the Camero/Firebird installation. But they're not needed on the ZZ4. (I had to find this out by myself since the installation instructions made no mention of this.) I bought the kit without the Air Conditioner Compressor delete. The Serpentine kits have a bracket casting for the smog air pump. However, I think all of the Serpentine kits replace the smog air pump with an idler wheel (more about the this idler wheel). With the Air Conditioner Delete kit you get another idler wheel. The kit comes with a new power steering pump. The pump has fitting for metric hoses. If your 1980 has metric power steering hydraulic, you're in luck. The kit comes with a cast iron reverse rotation water pump. You can't use a mechanical cooling fan. You need electric fans. The fasteners in the kit are a mixed collage of metric and english. A little fussy trying to figure when you need to use which bolt.


Finally....the idler wheel that replaces the smog pump will interfere with the passenger's upper control arm attachment strut rod. It looks like you can mount this idler wheel upside down, grind a little off of the idler wheel pully attachment, and it'll fit. Mounting upside down, moves the idler pully towards the water pump. It looks like the Serpentine belt will still be the correct length. Some people have not used this idler wheel at all and have bought a slightly shorter Serpentine belt.

I bought my kit from Scroggin-Dickie. A reverse rotation pump is available at extra cost in aluminum.