Serpentine Conversion - GM vs. March Performance
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Serpentine Conversion - GM vs. March Performance
For a variety of reasons I'm looking at putting a serpentine belt system into a 1975 small block with factory AC. The engine isn't original, but supposedly still has the stock brackets and mounting locations for all the accessories.
Personally, I prefer the way the tensioner works on the GM kit as opposed to the March adjustors. That and the fact that it's a single belt system. The March kit, however, looks like it doesn't require me to replace the water pump.
I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions about the GM conversion kit versus the March Performance kit.
Thanks in advance.
Personally, I prefer the way the tensioner works on the GM kit as opposed to the March adjustors. That and the fact that it's a single belt system. The March kit, however, looks like it doesn't require me to replace the water pump.
I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions about the GM conversion kit versus the March Performance kit.
Thanks in advance.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 222
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From: Leander TX
For the single belt A/c p/s kits, they both need a reverse rotation water pump. So you would need a pump either way. I would have tried to use the GM kit if I stayed with a S/B on my 75 as it is a bargain for what you get, just maybe not as pretty as the march kit. As I when for a big block, the GM serpentine kit was off of their truck application and to me, had no chance of fitting under the hood as they mount the alt and A/C way up high. I can tell you that I'm very happy with the march kit.
-Frank
-Frank
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Ah, okay. I didn't realize that march even offered a single belt system. So I guess either way I'm stuck replacing the water pump. Oh well, I needed to work on the cooling system anway.
So it sounds like there's no real difference between the two systems other than the way they tension the belt. I'll probably just go with the GM then, since I'm not concerned with the engine compartment looks.
So it sounds like there's no real difference between the two systems other than the way they tension the belt. I'll probably just go with the GM then, since I'm not concerned with the engine compartment looks.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 478
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From: Ellicott City MD
I have converted a ZZ4 with A/C in a 1980 to a March serpentine system. I have no other experience with serpentine systems, but mine does not have a spring loaded tensioner. That would be nice. Here's a pix of mine. After throwing the belt when it was first installed, I've had no problems with the March setup.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
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From: Piscataway NJ
I have the GM serp. system on my 73 383. I used the complete system including A/C off a S series 4.3 pickup/Blazer. Waterpump long, reverse rotation. It sits high in the front. Don't know if the stock hood fits. I have an aftermarket L 88 hood plenty of room
