Serpentine conversion for a 78 with BBC
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Kearns UT
Serpentine conversion for a 78 with BBC
I've read just about all of the serpentine conversion threads on here, but I have a few questions about modifying my 78 with a 502.
It looks like some people had to modify their crossmembers of their 80-82 Vettes and one post mentioned that maybe 78-82 have to be modified.
Does anyone know for sure if I will have to modify my crossmember.
The other question has been asked, but does anyone know for sure what vehicles can be used as donor vehicles for a serpentine kit? My boss recommends a 93 or newer Suburban that had a BBC in it. He found thiese items in a local junk yard for his 77. He says the 93's have less brackets and are easier to install.
Any suggestions for what cars/trucks to look for in the wrecking yards?
It looks like some people had to modify their crossmembers of their 80-82 Vettes and one post mentioned that maybe 78-82 have to be modified.
Does anyone know for sure if I will have to modify my crossmember.
The other question has been asked, but does anyone know for sure what vehicles can be used as donor vehicles for a serpentine kit? My boss recommends a 93 or newer Suburban that had a BBC in it. He found thiese items in a local junk yard for his 77. He says the 93's have less brackets and are easier to install.
Any suggestions for what cars/trucks to look for in the wrecking yards?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
The only problem I see with using GM's brackets is that they're cast iron and very heavy. You might check - the small block changed brackets when they went to Vortec engines. Other than the A/C swapping sides, there are a few changes. You might look under the hoods of both to see if big blocks did the swap as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
The only problem I see with using GM's brackets is that they're cast iron and very heavy. You might check - the small block changed brackets when they went to Vortec engines. Other than the A/C swapping sides, there are a few changes. You might look under the hoods of both to see if big blocks did the swap as well.
I have some Gen6 454 brackets and they are cast iron and very tall.
I think someone has had better luck modifying the aluminum small block brackets to fit a big block.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 121
From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
All GM BB kits put the AC compressor and alternator to high to clear the hood. There are instructions on the net that show how to mod the SB brackets to fit a BB. March has a direct fit Serp drive system that will fit your car with no mods, so does Street and Performance. The cross member mod comes into play when you go with the front mount compact system where all accessories are mounted in front of the engine.
Neal
Neal
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Kearns UT
I'm not going to run A/C so I don't have to worry about that, but I do have the crank, water pump, power steering and alternator. Right now the alternator is on the drivers side, but I'm looking to Procharge the motor soon, so I want to move the alternator to the passenger side in hopes of making enough room for the Procharger unit.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I'm not going to run A/C so I don't have to worry about that, but I do have the crank, water pump, power steering and alternator. Right now the alternator is on the drivers side, but I'm looking to Procharge the motor soon, so I want to move the alternator to the passenger side in hopes of making enough room for the Procharger unit.
The A/C cradle can be modified very easily to accept an alternator. The small block GM serpentine brackets will fit under most stock hoods. I suggest modifying a set of small block brackets, moving the alternator to the passenger side, and installing an idler pulley on the driver's side until you get your Procharger configuration figured out.
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
I think this is the link you are looking for:
http://www.fidnet.com/~harleyms/serpentine%20page.htm
I will not clear a stock hood or an L88 hood as configured.
If you are going to Procharge, go with this:
http://www.marchperf.com/pg58b.html
It is compact and they have a setup for a Procharger.
http://www.fidnet.com/~harleyms/serpentine%20page.htm
I will not clear a stock hood or an L88 hood as configured.
If you are going to Procharge, go with this:
http://www.marchperf.com/pg58b.html
It is compact and they have a setup for a Procharger.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
I think this is the link you are looking for:
http://www.fidnet.com/~harleyms/serpentine%20page.htm
I will not clear a stock hood or an L88 hood as configured.
If you are going to Procharge, go with this:
http://www.marchperf.com/pg58b.html
It is compact and they have a setup for a Procharger.
http://www.fidnet.com/~harleyms/serpentine%20page.htm
I will not clear a stock hood or an L88 hood as configured.
If you are going to Procharge, go with this:
http://www.marchperf.com/pg58b.html
It is compact and they have a setup for a Procharger.
I think the determining factor on whether you need to modify the crossmember is whether the accessories mount in front of the block or not. This March system would most likely require x-member modification. March has another system (wide-mount I believe) that does NOT require mods.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
By "direct fit" are your referring to a V-to-serp belts and pulleys only conversion?? That's what I was looking into, but March never replied to my questions/inquiry (wanted std. ratios, separate AC, w/o PS).
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Leander TX
I can understand if you want to make your own and save a few $$.. I wanted to keep my a/c and p/s with a minimal of issues. The march system will bolt up without modifying your cross-member and it looks beautiful. Plus it does not tie into the exhaust manifold making header install way easy.. Here is the 427 i built in my 75.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 121
From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
Neal
