Serpentine belt conversion
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Rockford Michigan
Serpentine belt conversion
Has anyone ever converted their C-3 from V belts to the newer serpentine belt system? If so, what are the benefits and what are the drawbacks? Any thoughts on the subject?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 0
From: largo florida
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I have one and this has been addressed before. Briefly,
if you use a C4 setup there is early (84-86?) and late (87?-91) depending on A/C compressors. Early uses an R4 compressor like the 76L-82 C3s, late uses a Sanden-style made by Nipendenso. 84-85 use a more reliable alternator of the same series as the C3s. Use an 84-85 alternator and an air pump eliminator for an 84-85 with either early or late style. I spliced my P/S line, but I now understand that you can use the C3 pressure valve in the C4 pump. Finally, you must use electric fans, the aluminum pump is not meant to hang a fan on, and it is reverse-rotating. It looks cool and fits great. If you buy a used setup, there are lots of braces, try to find one on an engine so you can get all the little parts and special bolts.
if you use a C4 setup there is early (84-86?) and late (87?-91) depending on A/C compressors. Early uses an R4 compressor like the 76L-82 C3s, late uses a Sanden-style made by Nipendenso. 84-85 use a more reliable alternator of the same series as the C3s. Use an 84-85 alternator and an air pump eliminator for an 84-85 with either early or late style. I spliced my P/S line, but I now understand that you can use the C3 pressure valve in the C4 pump. Finally, you must use electric fans, the aluminum pump is not meant to hang a fan on, and it is reverse-rotating. It looks cool and fits great. If you buy a used setup, there are lots of braces, try to find one on an engine so you can get all the little parts and special bolts.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: The Villages FL
Vintage Air makes a nice kit that fits very well. We put one on a 65 coupe with sidepipes two months ago. No problems after nearly 10,000 miles.
The shop has done a number of retro serpentine belt systems based on the 1989 Corvette engine. You will problably need a air pump eliminator bracket and pulley which can be had from Breathless Performance among others.
Spike
The shop has done a number of retro serpentine belt systems based on the 1989 Corvette engine. You will problably need a air pump eliminator bracket and pulley which can be had from Breathless Performance among others.
Spike
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Rockford Michigan
Are any of the serpentine systems standard rotation with a cast iron pump that a fan could be mounted to? Will any of the new vortect truck systems work? I am not completely opposed to electric fans, but I have read some headaches on the forum regarding installation.
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