V belt to serpentine conversion?

[mike561]

83 caprice, stock 305. Just wondering what would be involved in converting my v belts to a single serpentine. i know the pullys would have to be changed and possibly a few accessories replaced? i only have three v belts running, i dont have the air pump anymore so would there even be any difference in converting? has anyone done this as well?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by mike561

83 caprice, stock 305. Just wondering what would be involved in converting my v belts to a single serpentine. i know the pullys would have to be changed and possibly a few accessories replaced? i only have three v belts running, i dont have the air pump anymore so would there even be any difference in converting? has anyone done this as well?

the only reason to convert to the serpentine is when a larger alternator is selected ...200amp plus ....this will give the pulley a good amount of friction on high current demands ..

V belts need be replaced if old cracked glazed ...

[CD Smalley]

You would be best to find a vehicle with everything you need or buy the kit from GM.

GM P/N 12497698 I believe is what you are looking for...

[mike561]

also i noticed when i first startup the engine when its cold, one of the belts squeel when i rev it up, it will do this for less than a minute, idk which belt it is, but why does it only do it on cold startups?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by mike561

also i noticed when i first startup the engine when its cold, one of the belts squeel when i rev it up, it will do this for less than a minute, idk which belt it is, but why does it only do it on cold startups?

that squeal on start up is the alternator belt...check for glazing make sure the V groove of belt is not deep into the pulley groove ...make sure you get the correct belt length and width ...

[NOVAZ27]

If you want to run a serpentine belt for your alternator. A stock setup off of a 1986 305 chev. pu. will work. I have an 84 Caprice and a 86 Silverado both have the 305 engine. The v belts are the same for both vehicles ps, ac. the truck runs a serpentine belt for the alt. Where as the Caprice runs the v belt. If you wanted to run the serpentine set up you will need to change out the water pump & damper pulleys. add the serp pulley to the alt. Obtain the serp belt from you favorite parts store. Slap er together & go.

hope this helps

[mike561]

ok yeah thought there would be alot involved wit that, thanks for the input ill look into this

[serge_saati]

You said it squeals when you cold start up. Maybe it's the P/S pump. Check fluid level.

[MagicRat]

I think (not sure) the serpentine waterpump spins in the opposite direction than the conventional one. Therefore, you would need a new WP for the full conversion.

Why would you want to convert? Yes, the serp belt is slightly more fuel efficient and less likely to slip, but IMO its not worth the effort. You would get a bigger power and efficiency improvement by replacing the conventional rad fan with a thermally-controlled electric one.