serpentine conversion question
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 19
From: Cary, North Carolina
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: Carbed 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
Re: serpentine conversion question
All these water pumps are "long" water pumps. GM stopped using the "short" water pump in the 1960's.
But yes - to swap to serpentine, you HAVE to have:
Serpentine (reverse flow) water pump
Alternator - yours won't attach to the serp brackets
Smog Pump - again, yours won't attach to the serp brackets
P/S pump - again, your will not attach to the serp brackets
A/C compressor - again ...
In other words - IT AIN'T WORTH IT!!!!
There's NOTHING advantageous about the serpentine setup at all. IN FACT, it's a disadvantage! If your serp belt breaks, you stop right there - no alt, no water pump! If your V-belt breaks, you can limp home, since the V-belt system puts more than 1 belt across the water pump, no matter which belt breaks, you always have a water pump (assuming only one belt breaks).
I had serp system in my 1992 - I hated it - I yanked it all out when I went carbed and deleted my A/C, and went with the V belt system (and yes I replaced everything to do it). Trust me - stick with what you have - you're much better off!
But yes - to swap to serpentine, you HAVE to have:
Serpentine (reverse flow) water pump
Alternator - yours won't attach to the serp brackets
Smog Pump - again, yours won't attach to the serp brackets
P/S pump - again, your will not attach to the serp brackets
A/C compressor - again ...
In other words - IT AIN'T WORTH IT!!!!
There's NOTHING advantageous about the serpentine setup at all. IN FACT, it's a disadvantage! If your serp belt breaks, you stop right there - no alt, no water pump! If your V-belt breaks, you can limp home, since the V-belt system puts more than 1 belt across the water pump, no matter which belt breaks, you always have a water pump (assuming only one belt breaks).
I had serp system in my 1992 - I hated it - I yanked it all out when I went carbed and deleted my A/C, and went with the V belt system (and yes I replaced everything to do it). Trust me - stick with what you have - you're much better off!
Re: serpentine conversion question
Strong words... I have to buy AC and smog deletes and pay for setup and reclock alternator..and PS pump... plus I have a team g weiland high performance pump that was expensive
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 64
From: Wittman,Az
Car: 86 IROC-Z, '71 RS
Engine: 305 TPI/ 350
Transmission: 700R4/TH350
Re: serpentine conversion question
The reason I had "long" in quotes, was that it is the longer version than the v-belt setup. I forgot it was called the "reverse" pump. I had to replace my A/C compressor already and I had a serp P/S pump laying around. I got everything I needed at pull-a-part for $30.00. There are definate advantages to both systems. I carry a breaker bar and a spare belt. all I need to change it. With the v-belt setup, if something siezes, you can continue for a while.
The main reason I switched is looks. I just like the clean look of the serp system.
The main reason I switched is looks. I just like the clean look of the serp system.
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 19
From: Cary, North Carolina
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: Carbed 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
Re: serpentine conversion question
Yep - sorry bud ... but it's a PITA to swap either direction. Like mentioned - maybe you can get decent used parts at JY - but it all has to be changed out to go from V to serp and visa versa.
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: serpentine conversion question
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/afte...rsion-kit.html
JamesC
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Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 19
From: Cary, North Carolina
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: Carbed 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
Re: serpentine conversion question
Serp is nice if parts are in tact I suppose - but given I yanked out A/C and smog pump, serp brackets were just huge, bulky, and ugly to me.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 571
Likes: 15
From: SWAT - Houston
Car: 82 Trans Am
Engine: 383
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Built 4th gen 3.42 posi/disc
Re: serpentine conversion question
Hmm!
I did a serp. conversion on my 82 T/A after loosing the A/C
v-belt on more then one occasion when 'romping' on the
throttle. I no longer have the LOUD clutched fan noise when
revving the motor and, it looks so much nicer. I got the
brackets from a parts car, sand blasted and painted. I would
recommend the conversion. Am running A/C and a smog
delete pulley. The water pump is reverse flow.
Some pics here
http://transam.planetjupiter.com/
I did a serp. conversion on my 82 T/A after loosing the A/C
v-belt on more then one occasion when 'romping' on the
throttle. I no longer have the LOUD clutched fan noise when
revving the motor and, it looks so much nicer. I got the
brackets from a parts car, sand blasted and painted. I would
recommend the conversion. Am running A/C and a smog
delete pulley. The water pump is reverse flow.
Some pics here
http://transam.planetjupiter.com/
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 64
From: Wittman,Az
Car: 86 IROC-Z, '71 RS
Engine: 305 TPI/ 350
Transmission: 700R4/TH350
Re: serpentine conversion question
If I didn't have the A/C and smog pump, I probably would have stayed with the v-belt setup. I like the fact that the A/C hose is all on the passenger side now and not strung out all over the engine bay.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 598
Likes: 2
From: PHOENIX/ TOLLESON ARIZONA
Car: 90 IROC 5.7 1LE CLONE 89 GTA 88IROC
Engine: 5.7TPI / 5.7TPI/ 5.7TPI/ 4.3 CMFI
Transmission: 700R4 UPGRADED 700R4STOCK700R4STOCK
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10 BOLT 3.27 9 BOLT 2.77 9BOLT
Re: serpentine conversion question
I PULLED MY ENTIRE A/C SYSTEM. BA---BYE....
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