Serpentine Conversion Questions

[Sam Cogley]

I think only the police-spec Caprices got the big alternator. It's been years since I bought that part, I forget the exact interchange.

It was at least an option on all of the vehicles I listed above. I sourced mine by specifying a '93 Cadillac Fleetwood at NAPA. They had it in stock. Had to clock the housing but that was it.

Mine came out of a Fleetwood at a pick-n-pull. I was specifically referring to the Caprice line, and the bracket to mount a CS144 where a CS130 would normally be found on that set of serpentine brackets.

Does anyone know if all of the serpentine options discussed place the AC compressor in front of the head? If so, then I will definitely need one of the pankcake style compressors as the VA one looks to be too long to fit in front.

DC

The F-body/Caprice brackets definitely place the compressor in front of the head. It drops in where the idler frame on the upper left of TT's picture.

 

[68/70Vette]

Refer to this article:
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_0911_serpentine_belt_drive/viewall.html

A very nice setup but the idler wheel setup in the AIR-pump-bracket will not fit the C3 without modification.


Arne

I've bought two GMPP Serpentine belt systems. One for the 68 and one for the BB 70. The carcraft.com website mentions the kwik adapters to convert the GMPP Serpentine belt system to a BB.

"A very nice setup but the idler wheel setup in the AIR-pump-bracket will not fit the C3 without modification.
" The idler wheel fits. You mount it upside down. You have to grind a little off of one the the brackets' fastener bosses.

With the GMPP Serpentine kit's you can order all new accessory units; PS pump, alternator, water pump, AC compressor. Considering the all new parts, they're pretty reasonably priced.

For both of my kits, I've replaced the stock cast iron water pump with reverse rotation aluminum Edelbrocks, and I've bought some March aluminum pulleys for a little bling. Bought a March underdrive pully to slow down PS and water pump rotations and save a little hp. The stock serpentine kits drive the PS and WP way to fast for a specialty car.

With the Serpentine kit in my 68 ZZ4, underdrive pulleys, electric fan Be Cool radiator, and pure ethylene glycol coolant, my 68 runs cool as a witches tit.

 

[DC3]

I was specifically referring to the Caprice line, and the bracket to mount a CS144 where a CS130 would normally be found on that set of serpentine brackets.

Gotcha. Wasn't sure if that was what you meant and just wanted to make sure anyone looking for CS144 knew what options were available.

In doing some research, I discovered the original CS144's were 120 Amp with the next versions being 124 Amp and final version (which I have) was rated at 140 Amps. I wonder if that had anything to do with you having to modify the bracket to fit your CS144?

I guess there is not a perfect choice for my setup. I've found some aftermarket brackets (Alan Grove) that will fit my AC but not the CS144. Truck brackets may be too tall. Long water pump brackets push everything close to the cross frame which may or may not have to be notched. The Caprice Police option brackets will fit the CS144 but may not fit my AC. Corvette brackets sit closer to the block and are a good choice but they don't appear to work with either my AC or alternator.

If I could find a way to get my AC compressor to work with the Caprice Police brackets, that might be my best option. Or, at least my lowest cost option assuming I could find a cheap set of brackets. I guess I'm going to have to get off my butt and go to the wrecking yard. This isn't a high priority for me right now but I appreciate the help and the good discussion.

DC

 

[Sam Cogley]

Someone clever could probably find a way to build a bracket that would bolt into the pancake compressor's location, then hold the old-style compressor above the serpentine bracket. You'd have to measure the belt afterwards to find one long enough, and I'd really recommend using the steel braces between the bracket and head/block to make sure no weird stresses ended up in the metal with compressor hanging up there.

That said, the pancake is more efficient than the old 6-piston model.

As far as I know, the standard V8 F-Body/Caprice brackets are no different than the 9C1 police version, with the exception of the bolt-in cradle for the CS144.

I'd also recommend not using the standard CS144 molded plastic fan. I have a two piece metal fan/disc that I do not remember the source for. Possibly a CS130, or some odd application CS144. It's the same diameter and has the same general blade pitch as the plastic fan, but without the tendency to fall apart.

 

[DC3]

Thanks Sam,

Appreciate the good info. This thread has been good. I'll take a pass on the S10 brackets and now I'm loaded with info when I get ready to tackle this project.

DC