How to convert from standard v-belts to serpentine...

I really dislike the A/C hoses that cross the engine on the older chevy cars - my 82 vette has A/C on the passenger side, why did it take so long for the other models?!



By moving to the A/C on the left & getting rid of the long hoses, I also will be able to do the custom ram-air setup like on the TPI cars. (Yes, I know, I shoulda just bought an IROC...) Anyway, I came across a great deal on the serpentine setup and accessories (same guy with the dual fans), so off I went...

I don't expect to finish this anytime soon, so I'll add more pics & documentation as I go...

Parts Needed (Won't be a complete list until I'm done...):
  • Serpentine setup - I bought a setup from an 89 RS; Brackets, A/C Comp, Alt, Water Pump, PS Pump, A.I.R. pump, crank pulley, hoses, wiring, bolts, etc




  • Hindsight...I would have inspected the setup more. So far, I found a missing alt fan blade, a stripped torx bolt (spent 3 hours on that silly thing), and a crack in the aluminum bracket. I would not have noticed the crack due to the caked on crud...

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    UPDATE!

    I've determined that the water pump from the serp purchase won't work because it doesn't have the outlet necessary for the heater core - I was thinking of purchasing a new pump anyway, so my plan is to purchase:
    Stewart Item: 13123



    Chevrolet Small Block - Long
    1987-Up Passenger Cars and Light Trucks w/ Belt Drive Pumps
    6.932" Length
    3/4" Bearing
    5/8" Shaft
    CCW Rotation for Serpentine Belts
    High Flow Pump
    Cast Iron Finish - $74.95

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    Click on bordered images for full size...
    Instructions (as I remember them, your mileage may vary!)

    1) Disassemble serp setup - remove accessories, tensioner, etc

    2) Clean aluminum brackers

    I took off the excess crud with a scraper, then SOS pads, then a simple green soak, and finally comet on a toothbrush...

    I took off the excess crud with a scraper, then SOS pads, then a simple green soak, and finally comet on a toothbrush...

    Both brackets...

    Hard to see, but the bracket is cracked...

    COME BACK LATER FOR MORE PROGRESS!!


    Questions? Comments? Know a better way? Let me know!
    Email me at: icole at technovelocity dot com