what are the differences is it worth it.

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1987 Trans AM GTA
305 5SPD
Hypertech airfoil
gutted maf
kn filter
High Flow Cat,
3"Walker pipe
Dynomax Super turbo Muffler
TB Coolant bypass

 

it's less headache to deal with changing all those belts and i've been told that it doesn't wear on the waterpump bearings as bad in a s-belt setup but i'm also curious if the alternator will last longer...i have v-belt now and i'm on my 3rd or 4th alt this year...

 

The belt really doesn't have anything to do with alternator longevity.. My 85 Z with the v-belts with 180,000 miles on it had the original alternator, while my 89 'roc with the serpentine belt with 83,000 miles on it is on it's second alternator.. so.. *shrug*


Serpentine belts rob the engine of a little less power (less friction overall), but nothing noticeable.. They are far easier to change.. With the v-belts, you have to loosen the accessory to get the belt off, and if it's a belt behind the others, you have to take all the belts off, whereas the serpentine belt has a tensioner that can be moved with a half-inch drive. Serpentine belts are also self-tightening, with an indicator telling you when the belt has been stretched too far and it's time for a new one.


One the down side, if the serpentine belt brakes, you're screwed majorly, since you just lost your water pump, alternator, and power steering all at once. heh. But, if you just check on the condition of your belt every now and then, you shoudln't (knock on wood) have that problem.

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89 iroc-z 305 tbi
k&n filtercharger, open element air filter. nuffin' else

 

I did the swap (as outlined here: Serp belt swap) and I think it looks better, is easier to work on, and it seems to run smoother. Just my observation. It also opens more doors when it comes to superchargers if you ever go down that road. I only know of one company that makes them for a V-belt car, and I know of several that make them for the S-belt. V-belts is '80s technology and I'll never go back.

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'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey,
22# injectors,
Whatever chip I feel like burning,
JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass, Custom Cold Air,
SSM SFC, KYB Shocks, Boxed LCAs, Wonder Bar,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
3.73 Posi
4wheel Disc Brakes
Summit 1-5/8" headers, 2.5" Dynomax catback.

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'97 Bonneville SSE