Serpentine Setup
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 474
Likes: 127
From: Stafford Virginia
Serpentine Setup
I have a 1982 Corvette and would like to switch to a serpentine belt setup. I see by searching that there are many variations but I'm interested in picking up something from a later model SB Camaro, TA, or ??? Is there any particular setup that would literally bolt right in? I would prefer to retain my stock AC compressor but it's not a show stopper. I will eventually covert to TPI so I know to avoid the truck serpentine setup. Thanks in advance for any information.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I don't think you'll be able to use your stock A/C compressor on any of the serpentine brackets available.
There are two versions that vary in distance from the block. One set of .5" closer to the block. Recognized by the very deep water pump pulley. I think the shirt version is found on the V6 engines.
Then there is the lack of or provision for a smog pump, and if there is a factory provision for an idler pulley to go along with the tensioner.
There are also two different driver's side brackets, where the alternator is either mounted at a downward angle to the outside, or even across.
I have a lot of these variations in my garage, and can take some pictures for you tomorrow if you like.
There are two versions that vary in distance from the block. One set of .5" closer to the block. Recognized by the very deep water pump pulley. I think the shirt version is found on the V6 engines.
Then there is the lack of or provision for a smog pump, and if there is a factory provision for an idler pulley to go along with the tensioner.
There are also two different driver's side brackets, where the alternator is either mounted at a downward angle to the outside, or even across.
I have a lot of these variations in my garage, and can take some pictures for you tomorrow if you like.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
You may be able to retain your stock a/c compressor with an 84-87 C4 setup, but you would have to change the pulley and clutch. The 84-87 use an A6 compressor like the 76L-82s. I have a C4 serpentine setup on my car and it fits nicely. 84-85 use a similar alternator to the 69-82 C3s, but converting to a CS144 is not that hard. I would not use the CS130 alternator used on the 86 up C4s.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 3
From: SF East Bay CA
I did this, later added TPI. Used the serp system from an 86 vette.
Here are some pics
Notice I did eliminate the AIR pump with an aftermarket Air Pump eliminator bar.
I am going with a Sanden compressor as the "stock" lines" create too much "mess"
Other items of note:
I located all of the brackets and started on the system. Items used: Stewart Hi Flow water pump (new), March Pulley Set (3 pulleys), Used bracketry, Used p/s pump. (This was the hardest part) New A/C Compressor, New 140A Powermaster Alternator.
I utilized (had to) a p/s unit from an '86 vette. This entailed using a metric pump connector to the original standard (US) connector. Space on the backside of the pump was tight. I utilized Aeroquip fittings, flared the lines and made custom pressure hoses. In addition the bottle seen in pic 1 on the bottom frame is the remote resevoir. Needed to be mounted forward and I found a spot on the frame. Unlike stock '79's, 84 and up used remote resevoirs.
Here are some pics
Notice I did eliminate the AIR pump with an aftermarket Air Pump eliminator bar.
I am going with a Sanden compressor as the "stock" lines" create too much "mess"
Other items of note:
I located all of the brackets and started on the system. Items used: Stewart Hi Flow water pump (new), March Pulley Set (3 pulleys), Used bracketry, Used p/s pump. (This was the hardest part) New A/C Compressor, New 140A Powermaster Alternator.
I utilized (had to) a p/s unit from an '86 vette. This entailed using a metric pump connector to the original standard (US) connector. Space on the backside of the pump was tight. I utilized Aeroquip fittings, flared the lines and made custom pressure hoses. In addition the bottle seen in pic 1 on the bottom frame is the remote resevoir. Needed to be mounted forward and I found a spot on the frame. Unlike stock '79's, 84 and up used remote resevoirs.
Last edited by timbo79; Feb 29, 2008 at 11:03 AM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
From: FREDERICKSBURG VA
The 88-92 Camaro setup has a drivers side alternator, this flea-bay add shows the components.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...090423379&rd=1
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...090423379&rd=1
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Stick a post over there in the C4 section, I got the full rig off an 88 including the compressor, bolts, pulleys and brackets for $300.
It bolts right in, you will need to buy or fab an idler pulley to replace the air pump if your not going to run it and you need to drill 1 hole in the passenger head for the second bolt for the bracket over there.
Worked like a hose.
It bolts right in, you will need to buy or fab an idler pulley to replace the air pump if your not going to run it and you need to drill 1 hole in the passenger head for the second bolt for the bracket over there.
Worked like a hose.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I forgot to mention that I have TPI. Here is a picture of my setup from a '91.
I have an airpump eliminator from Breathless Performance. Just FYI on C4 brackets. The left bracket is the same 84-85 and then 86-91. The right bracket is 84-87 and 88-91. I think I remember there is something special about 84 idler/tensioner but if you get a complete setup it should work fine. If you buy an airpump eliminator, you need to specify 84-85 or 86 up because it depends on the alternator.
I have an airpump eliminator from Breathless Performance. Just FYI on C4 brackets. The left bracket is the same 84-85 and then 86-91. The right bracket is 84-87 and 88-91. I think I remember there is something special about 84 idler/tensioner but if you get a complete setup it should work fine. If you buy an airpump eliminator, you need to specify 84-85 or 86 up because it depends on the alternator.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 474
Likes: 127
From: Stafford Virginia
Thanks to all for the input so far. I'm undecided as I believe I need to plug the trigger on just moving forward with the TPI conversion, air pump elimination, etc. The March setup is clearly very nice, very very nice so please do send me any additional information and conversion help. A/C pump original?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City MD
Thanks to all for the input so far. I'm undecided as I believe I need to plug the trigger on just moving forward with the TPI conversion, air pump elimination, etc. The March setup is clearly very nice, very very nice so please do send me any additional information and conversion help. A/C pump original?
http://www.marchperf.com/pg14.html
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (home in Colorado Springs)
What is the advantage for going to (and spending the $$$,$$$) a serpentine system as the "stock" 2 or 3 belt pulley system?
Is there a "performance" improvement here or something that I'm missing?
Is there a "performance" improvement here or something that I'm missing?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
The ease of the system is mainly the accessories, which like the CS alternators give you better power options, and the time it takes to change a belt. You can keep one spare in your car, and it takes less than a minute to change in a pinch. Performance wise, no real advantage...that, and looks.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Self-tensioning is a big thing, eliminating improperly tensioned belts from either installation error or belt stretch.
Last edited by I'm Batman; Mar 25, 2008 at 06:12 AM.