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1987 Serpentine Swap

EddieExpedition

EddieExpedition

1/2 ton status
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I recently completed a swap from a multiple V-belt/ Serp system to a 1 serpentine belt accessory drive system. This was done in an attempt to simplify the belt situation and upgrade my troublesome A/C compressor. I figured I could show what parts I used and I'm hoping others may find this info helpful down the road.

A few notes about my particular swap; I had to use a longer belt than the OE 88+ 5.7 used. The power steering pump reservoir had to be swapped for a 96+ style and I was able to keep the CS144 alternator that I swapped in a few years ago by changing the front frame housing. My engine is also a replacement GM unit that had the heads already drilled for the brackets.

Parts list:
96+
Accessory brackets from 96+ Vortec truck or 4.3L
Belt tensioner: GATES 38103
Idler pulley: 12580773
98 5/8 Belt: gates K060980
A/C Compressor: UAC CO4440/ Sanden SD7H15
R4 to Sanden wiring: PT209 pigtail
A/C fittings: FOUR SEASONS 24342
96+ power steering revisor: 19207053
Power steering pulley: Cardone 3p-25160
Alternator housing 21167 (alternatorparts.com)
Engine coolant outlet: ACDelco 15-1712 (96+ 4.3L)
Coolant hose: Gates 22209
Thermostat: 13171 195*

88-95
Water pump: MELLING MWP520
Fan clutch: HAYDEN 2734
Fan blade: GM 15-80739
Crankshaft pulley: 10085754

The toughest part was finding the thermostat housing that would face the direction I wanted.
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IMG-3434.jpg
 
Nice work. I take it the AIR pump hit the trashcan? I kept the Serp setup that was swapped onto my '75 for future use on my Nova later.
 
I still have it. I have a habit of holding onto parts as well. By the way, thank you for your help and info for the swap.
 
Thanks for posting this @EddieExpedition. I've been thinking about doing this for exactly the same reason, better AC compressor.
 
I used a stock 79 k30 350 p/s pump unit just fine years ago same swap .

T-stat hose unit needs to be from tbi engine along with upper hose.
 
sweetk30 said:
I used a stock 79 k30 350 p/s pump unit just fine years ago same swap .

T-stat hose unit needs to be from tbi engine along with upper hose.
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I certainly tried to use the original housing, but the shape of it was hitting the bracket. The pump itself is the original unit.

Tstat housing is from a 4.3 tbi.
 
Maybe you could do a pro/con list to compare Vortec to the earlier TBI setup. I'm a big fan of AC compressor on the PS.
 
Blue85 said:
Maybe you could do a pro/con list to compare Vortec to the earlier TBI setup. I'm a big fan of AC compressor on the PS.
Click to expand...
For me, the pros are:
Better AC compressor
Did not have to extend or rewire my battery or alternator wires
Only have one belt

With the earlier 88-95 tbi setup, I would have had to use an adapter kit on top of getting new accessory brackets to get the ac comp I wanted. Then I would have had to change my alternator wiring, which isn’t that big of a deal. This version would have made routing the upper radiator hose a lot easier and I could have kept the original power steering pump housing.

Both have their merits, but the 96+ made more sense for what I wanted and kept everything in its original place.
 
Only draw back from going one belt system. When one of the components ; a/c compressor, alternator, power steering pump goes out and locks up on ya ,fries belt- it’s over yur down. Had it happen to me !! Luckily that time I was out with a friend.
 
MrHappy said:
Only draw back from going one belt system. When one of the components ; a/c compressor, alternator, power steering pump goes out and locks up on ya ,fries belt- it’s over yur down. Had it happen to me !! Luckily that time I was out with a friend.
Click to expand...
Paying attention to the truck prior to off road trips and regular inspection should prevent most issues. Keeping a spare belt on hand is a also smart.

Multiple v-belts have their own issues as well that can shut the whole thing down. Have a pulley lock up and smoke a belt to the point it breaks and takes out the belt next to it.

Freak things do happen to either system for sure, but one other positive is now you are more likely to find parts to repair a serp drive than you are to find the right size v-belt.
 
Yes all those are great points for sure ! Just voicing my view and adventure ! I now carry a lot of different parts & tools with me when I’m out & about. Anything can happen anytime, anywhere that’s part of life.
 
Nothing changed from the factory routing. I have a tube coming off the back of my intake into the core. Another hose from the radiator to the core.
 
Ok thanks. Some one did the swap on my jimmy and they changed how it was routed. So I was not getting any coolant to the core.
 
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