Pulley question.
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Pulley question.
I intend on replacing the stock alternator on a 79-81 SBC with a high output one that has a 6 groove pulley, as the technician recommends the 6 rib over any other for avoiding belt slip. Future plans are for dual high output alts, 350amp each (don't ask why, you probably don't want to know). 
Now obviously (as far as I know), I'll have to replace the other pulleys run by that belt. My question is, how easily is that achieved? Is is a simple case of buying the correct size pulleys with 6 grooves and replacing the stock pulleys? Or will I have to replace everything due to the crankshaft running 2 belts?
Would I be better off switching to a serpentine system in the long run? Pro's and cons?
I'd love to hear some opinions or advice on this and any recommendations on who or where to buy them from. Thanks.
(Budget is up to $8-1000)
Now obviously (as far as I know), I'll have to replace the other pulleys run by that belt. My question is, how easily is that achieved? Is is a simple case of buying the correct size pulleys with 6 grooves and replacing the stock pulleys? Or will I have to replace everything due to the crankshaft running 2 belts?
Would I be better off switching to a serpentine system in the long run? Pro's and cons?
I'd love to hear some opinions or advice on this and any recommendations on who or where to buy them from. Thanks.
(Budget is up to $8-1000)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
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From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Yeah, almost 24 hours with no reply is kinda rare on this forum, might be because it is such an unusual question, out of everybody's comfort zone. I'll take a crack at it, though.
I would say, and bear in mind that I am also way out of my comfort zone on this one, that the easiest/best thing to do, would be to switch the whole front of the engine over to a serpentine belt setup. There are several benefits to the serp belt setup, just on its own merit, but even ignoring that, you would then have the option of mounting the second alternator in place of the existing air conditioner compressor by modding the A/C bracket. (Unless, of course, you want to keep the air conditioning!) Gonna need a little more info to give a more detailed opinion, like do you want to have power steering, A/C? Electric radiator fan, or engine driven? What vehicle is this going into? (it's a Corvette forum, but ya never know, you don't say either way.)
This link is to a Car Craft article on how to score a cheap serp belt setup, it should have some info that might help you out a little.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...e/viewall.html
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
I would say, and bear in mind that I am also way out of my comfort zone on this one, that the easiest/best thing to do, would be to switch the whole front of the engine over to a serpentine belt setup. There are several benefits to the serp belt setup, just on its own merit, but even ignoring that, you would then have the option of mounting the second alternator in place of the existing air conditioner compressor by modding the A/C bracket. (Unless, of course, you want to keep the air conditioning!) Gonna need a little more info to give a more detailed opinion, like do you want to have power steering, A/C? Electric radiator fan, or engine driven? What vehicle is this going into? (it's a Corvette forum, but ya never know, you don't say either way.)
This link is to a Car Craft article on how to score a cheap serp belt setup, it should have some info that might help you out a little.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...e/viewall.html
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Last edited by scottyp99; May 14, 2012 at 12:07 PM.
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I was kinda leaning toward a serp set up, might just do it. Car will be a 79-81 4spd (haven't got one yet, will be moving to the US in 2 months). 
One of the first thing's I'll do is switch the radiator out for a DeWitts or similar with electric fans. Power steering will be a high on the list of things to stay.
The A/C is debatable. I would prefer to have them in an under/over configuration or one above the harmonic balancer like the pic below.
If I'm going to have a bracket fab'd for it to fit the A/C mounting position, I'd rather pay more to have them both on the right side if they'll fit. If they won't, then I'll remove the A/C. I've lived in Queensland Australia for the last 4 years where the average temp is 85*F and I rarely use my A/C. I prefer windows down and fresh air.
Thanks for the link.
One of the first thing's I'll do is switch the radiator out for a DeWitts or similar with electric fans. Power steering will be a high on the list of things to stay.
The A/C is debatable. I would prefer to have them in an under/over configuration or one above the harmonic balancer like the pic below.
If I'm going to have a bracket fab'd for it to fit the A/C mounting position, I'd rather pay more to have them both on the right side if they'll fit. If they won't, then I'll remove the A/C. I've lived in Queensland Australia for the last 4 years where the average temp is 85*F and I rarely use my A/C. I prefer windows down and fresh air.
Thanks for the link.
Last edited by 666WMD; May 14, 2012 at 12:40 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
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From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
OK, I'm just going to assume this is going into a C3 'vette.
It might be a little harder to get ahold of, but a C4 serp belt setup might be just what your looking for. You could fab a way to mount the second alternator where the stock smog pump is, and still have your A/C.Here is a diagram of how the belts and pulleys are arranged.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/diagr.../index/id/155/
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
It might be a little harder to get ahold of, but a C4 serp belt setup might be just what your looking for. You could fab a way to mount the second alternator where the stock smog pump is, and still have your A/C.Here is a diagram of how the belts and pulleys are arranged.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/diagr.../index/id/155/
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
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