Serpentine setup that keeps ac compressor and alternator in stock location?

[UATahoe]

Looking at converting to a serpentine setup on my 87 when I swap in my new 383 vortec motor. The block is a vortec block and I am wanting to keep the accessories on the same side of the engine as they came stock. Is the possible or too difficult?
Posted via Mobile Device

[andrewmp6]

Hit up a junkyard see what you can find,Anything v8 or even the 4.3 v6 will work or you can go after market like http://marchperf.com/ http://www.c1pulleys.com/ http://www.billetspecialties.com/tru...ems/chevrolet/

[gchemist]

96 and up trucks have compressors on the driverside. I switch to a 94 setup. The A/C compressor is on the passenger side. I did it to save hose length and efficiency.

[UATahoe]

Awesome. Thanks guys. gchemist, so if i go with the 96 and up trucks, will i still use my accessories or do i need to grab the ps pump, alt, and ac compressor while i am at it? All of my accessories currently are good. I know i need a new water pump right for the serp setup?

[gchemist]

On the power steering, you'll only need the pulley. You can use your current pump. The alternator may or not mount. Either way grab it. A 96 and later will have more amps which the truck will like. The A/C compressor is bigger. It's long style compressor. It will partially mount over the valve cover and intake.

A 92-95 looks like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Camaro-Fireb...sories&vxp=mtr

A 96 and later Vortec will look like this: http://crownhonda.ebizautos.com/shar...iid%3d10046229

Yes a new water pump is required. An adapting wiring harness is available for alternators.

[UATahoe]

So is this swap worth the effort? Which way is easier? 92-95 or 96 and newer?

Since the compressor has to be swapped either way, will it work with the rest of my ac system? I am guessing i need to get somebody to depressurize the ac system and remove the refrigerant right? I was trying to avoid this but since the compressor has to be swapped regardless, i guess that is obe now and is inevitable. LOL

Just worried i may be biting off more than i can handle.

[gchemist]

I prefer the older style. Either one will fit Vortec or older heads. The heads need to have the three mounting holes. You'll have to change the water neck to a Vortec style. You'll need a brace to hold up the hose over the belt. You can find adapting plugs here or other sources: http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/catalog.php?item=81

Learn about alternators here: http://store.alternatorparts.com/del...lternator.aspx

I run an older style serpentine with a '08 CS-144 alternator. Power equipment and stereo like the extra amps.

Either way, you'll need new hoses. A shop can make them for you. I had mine made for $100. New hoses will have a plastic barrier between the outside and inner walls. R134 is a smaller molecule and will leach through older hoses. Once mounted, take the truck to hose shop. They will measure and make the proper hose lengths. I had all the photos of my conversion on line until Webshots wanted me to pay for service. I need to put up all those photos up again somewhere.

If your current A/C working, run it until it breaks down. In the mean time, accumulate parts. A new condernsor is also missing. R134 works better with a cross flow condensor. All new condensors should be crossflow for our trucks. Check when you buy it. You'll know the difference. R12 condensors are signal tubes that wrap back and forth. A cross flow has multiple tubes all going across together.

[UATahoe]

Awesome! Thanks for the info! With the setup you went with, the stock ac compressor can be reused just swapped to the other side right? Next piece will be finding someone who can take the pressure out of the system so I can unhook everything. Right now I have the compressor unbolted laying on the front core support with hoses still attached. Is there a way i can safely remove the ac hoses or no?

Thanks again for the help. All in all not too bad. I think I can do it. The new motor is out and on an engine stand so I can mock it up for a trial run rather easily.
Posted via Mobile Device

[UATahoe]

The system jegs has available: http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...97698/10002/-1

That's what you are running right? Doesn't seem to be an awful deal considering the new components as well as the brackets and pulleys.
Posted via Mobile Device

[UATahoe]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-Chevy-TBI...4548d9&vxp=mtr

Would that setup work?
Posted via Mobile Device

[DirtyLarry]

Originally Posted by UATahoe

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-Chevy-TBI...4548d9&vxp=mtr

Would that setup work?
Posted via Mobile Device

Yes, that would work on your engine. Those brackets look like ’92-’95 4.3, 5.0, 5.7 brackets. Good brackets. The good thing is the A/C compressor is on the passenger’s side requiring a short and easy A/C hose to have built. The downside is these brackets require a turd R4 compressor. R4’s don’t have the best reputation for durability.

By your PM, I know you found the nice Serpentine Belt thread in the FAQ section but I am not sure many other people realize this topic has been beaten to death hundreds of times here.

[gchemist]

Originally Posted by UATahoe

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-Chevy-TBI...4548d9&vxp=mtr

Would that setup work?
Posted via Mobile Device

I'm using this setup. I like it because it does not have a smog pump option. Cars use a smiliar bracket but have a large area for a smog pump. The A/C is easy to by pass with a $40 bracket with a pulley. I ordered one when my A/C failed 480 miles from home!! I made it back easily with the bypass pulley. Yea, thos R4 compressor are bad luck. I had a local shop go through it really good. It was checked for compression and new seals installed. It's been running great for over a year now.