serpentine coversion
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
serpentine coversion
Anyone know if a newer sbc serpentine pulley setup will work on my 79? I want to do a conversion but im not into all of the flashy aluminum pulleys $$$. I figured if a late sbc had similiar diameters and will bolt up then that would be way cheaper. I do have a/c so hopefully that pulley wont cause any problems. Any info would be well apreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 1,727
From: Summerville SC
I am eventually getting to the serpentine set up I got off a '96 Blazer. Everything appeared to be the right set up, going to change out the alt w/ a 1 wire ( off the Blazer). The only issue you might have is the right head on the '79. Might be missing one hole you need to attach the brakets. I spent about $150, including a steering pump,( you will have to change out the fitting on the hoses, they are metric)a/c pump,alt and all the brakets. Also need a different reverse water pump. Not flashy yet, but when I'm done w/ some powder coat...Oh, and grb the decal off the blazer showing the belt routing.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
I bought this set from an 89' Firebird for $100.
I cleaned it up and bought an ac compressor for an 87' Corvette, an Edelbrock Victor Jr reverse flow waterpump, and a March underdrive pulley set. I used the CS130 alternator and power steering pump that came with the set from the Firebird. I left off the smog pump. Older heads will need 1 hole for the serpentine mounting drilled out in the head for the bolt. Newer heads are fine, I have Sportsman II heads that had the hole. The Firebird crank pulley was too big, so that's why I bought the underdrive pulleys, plus a little extra power doesn't hurt.
I have Dewitt's aluminum radiator with dual Spal fans and a VBP spreader bar in front of it.
I cleaned it up and bought an ac compressor for an 87' Corvette, an Edelbrock Victor Jr reverse flow waterpump, and a March underdrive pulley set. I used the CS130 alternator and power steering pump that came with the set from the Firebird. I left off the smog pump. Older heads will need 1 hole for the serpentine mounting drilled out in the head for the bolt. Newer heads are fine, I have Sportsman II heads that had the hole. The Firebird crank pulley was too big, so that's why I bought the underdrive pulleys, plus a little extra power doesn't hurt.
I have Dewitt's aluminum radiator with dual Spal fans and a VBP spreader bar in front of it.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
For me its single belt system that is auto tightened. So no slipping, less chance of coming off, and much easier to install/remove as needed.
That and the new Gen Alt bolts up perfect.
I've seen some say the serpentine system also uses less power to run, but can't verfy that myself.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Im updating to vortec heads so the extra hole should be there. Can i just change the ac pulley on my compressor ( its new) or do i have to change to newer style? What about water pump....ive read about the rotation differences.....
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 183
From: Port St. Lucie Fl
I put a serp set up for an 87 camaro on my 406 that has alum heads on it. I used the alt, ac compressor and crank pulley from donor car and bought a new water pump. The factory lines bolt up to the compressor (not sure if it works as mine isnt charged). I used my stock ps pump and it bolted to the serp bracket with out any modification. Doing this you will not be able to use a clutch fan 1. because it will be turning the wrong way (87 camaro wp) 2 the camaro pump is longer and you wont have enough room for the fan. Perfect time to do e fans. I know the camaro/firebird set fits under a my stock 79 hood.
