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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Skunksmash on September 08, 2008, 04:21:55 pm

Title: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: Skunksmash on September 08, 2008, 04:21:55 pm: I would like to convert my 87 Silverado 5.7L 2WD to a serpentine belt system instead of all those little belts. Anyone know the best way to go about this?
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: Captkaos on September 08, 2008, 05:36:47 pm: Junkyard or you can actually buy the whole kit from GM.
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: camdenoilchange on September 08, 2008, 05:47:30 pm: junkyard and a little elbow grease will be the cheapest route. I've been looking around and the after market kits are $$$$$$!
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: Skunksmash on September 08, 2008, 06:32:49 pm: Thanks guys, anyone got a link? Also, for the junkyard way: What year of truck do i need to look for, and what all parts are involved?
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: Captkaos on September 08, 2008, 09:32:11 pm: Serpentine started on the trucks in 1987 as an option, you could also get it off of F-bodies.
You can also get it off of the newer trucks (Vortec) with the better/smaller AC compressor...
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: Skunksmash on September 09, 2008, 01:19:55 am: Interesting... whats better about that AC compressor?
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: Captkaos on September 09, 2008, 01:49:46 pm: It works with 134A and it doesn't take much power to operate in my opinion.
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: Skunksmash on September 09, 2008, 07:02:04 pm: Quote from: Captkaos on September 09, 2008, 01:49:46 pm
It works with 134A and it doesn't take much power to operate in my opinion.

Well my truck has this sticker that says "This system has been retrofitted to use R134A refrigerant" so does that mean that i have to have the newer compressor, or does it mean that i could still have the old one?
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: VileZambonie on September 09, 2008, 07:24:29 pm: I believe he's referring to the V5 compressor which a variable displacement compressor. You probably have an R4 compressor.

V5

(http://img.alibaba.com/photo/51736086/Car_A_C_Compressor_LB_V5_for_Buick.jpg)

R4

(http://www.4s.com/4sCat/images/parts/58238.jpg)
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: Captkaos on September 09, 2008, 09:37:17 pm: Correct. R4 came on our trucks, the V5 came on the later Vortecs.
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: Skunksmash on September 09, 2008, 11:35:31 pm: Dang. Well i guess this could all just be part of the conversion process then. I guess you have to have that newer compressor to make the conversion work?
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: VileZambonie on September 10, 2008, 08:15:39 am: Not if you have the bracketry for the R4
Title: Re: Is there a way to convert to serpentine?
Post by: Captkaos on September 10, 2008, 01:11:02 pm: There are basically 2 Truck serp setups, whichever you get will dictate what compressor you get...