Belts, Pulleys and Brackets - Forums - Official C3 Vette Registry

SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors! | Advertise Here

Topic: Belts, Pulleys and Brackets

in Forum: C3 Engines

Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (1/22)
4/5/07 7:52am

miket
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette, 454 cid, Coupe, Silver w/ Black leather interior, 4 speed, AC, PS

Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 22

I am building a 454 cid 1971 Corvette. Can anyone give me any advice on their experience with aluminum aftermarket pulleys and brackets? I am looking at my options on V-belts vs serpentine belts. I am going to use a mechanical aluminum water pump (could change to reverse rotation with serpentine, but that would mean electric fan) and an original mechanical clutch fan I also have air conditioning and power steering I have started buying items for a V-belt application, however the bracket for the alternator covers the fill cap for the power steering. It is almost imposible to get the power steering cap. I might consider a serpentine belt, but has anyone ever been able to get that to work with AC, PS and a clutch fan on a BB car? I am also interested in anyone's experience with V-belts and aftermarket aluminum brackets.

miket2007-04-05 07:56:34

Our Sponsors help support C3VR

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (2/22)
4/5/07 8:29am

VETTERBOB

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

DUNEDIN, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1969 COUPE CORTEZ SILVER, BRIGHT BLUE INTERIOR 383 cu. in. 512 HP. Hooker headers w/ side pipes PS PS AC AM FM STEREO. 68,000.MILES C5 5oth Anniversary Coupe , auto.350hp

Joined: 10/22/2004
Posts: 833

ARE YOU SURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT POWER STEERING PUMP? THE SMALL BLOCK CHEVY PUMP AND THE VETTE PUMP ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT ,AS THE VETTE PUMP HAS THE FILLER CAP IN A DIFFERENT POSITION.

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (3/22)
4/5/07 9:22am

jgoglick

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Huntsville, AL - USA

Vette(s):
1971 convertible,375 HP 350ci,Muncie 4-speed,Edelbrock aluminum heads and RPM air-gap manifold,HEI distrubiter - old school mechanical tach drive. LOUD side exhaust!

Joined: 11/15/2003
Posts: 857

That's the way it is on my small block. I have enough room to open the cap so i can add fluid, but not enough room to pull it out Pinch

. When I got the car, it had a PS pump froma different car and it was this way. I replaced it with a correct pump/resvoir and it still that way. Just a crappy design. And at least for me, that lower alternator bracket is a bear to get on. I had to do some serious prying on it to get the second hole to line up.

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (4/22)
4/5/07 1:40pm

miket
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette, 454 cid, Coupe, Silver w/ Black leather interior, 4 speed, AC, PS

Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 22

Well............I am pretty sure I have the right PS pump. This is a big block car and I think the lower alternator bracket is the problem. Very tight fit. Not something I would want to keep that way.

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (5/22)
4/5/07 1:42pm

miket
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette, 454 cid, Coupe, Silver w/ Black leather interior, 4 speed, AC, PS

Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 22

John,

I think I know exactly what you mean. I don't have a problem getting the lower alternator bracket on, but there is no way to access the power steering cap. What a terrible design.

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (6/22)
4/5/07 1:47pm

spielman5

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

ANCHORAGE, AK - USA

Vette(s):
1965-327 coupe, 1968-small block coupe, 1969-427, 1971-454 coupe and currently a 1976-ZZ4 coupe reborn again,and hotter than ever.. Add a 1996 CE LT-4 for backup

Joined: 10/12/2004
Posts: 2193

Try this aftermarket place, I used some brackets from them for my AC when I installed a ZZ4 in my 1976..Good luck..Terry

www.zoops.com

spielman52007-04-05 13:48:29

______________

"I Love all Corvettes! LifeTime Member #60..Terry"

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (7/22)
4/5/07 7:07pm

2 cruzn

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Poquoson, VA - USA

Vette(s):
73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.

Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023

[QUOTE=miket]John,

I think I know exactly what you mean. I don't have a problem getting the lower alternator bracket on, but there is no way to access the power steering cap. What a terrible design.

[/QUOTE]

Same way on my '73 Confused

2 cruzn2007-04-05 19:08:13

______________
Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II

Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"

(click to see a bigger image)

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (8/22)
4/5/07 7:30pm

jgoglick

[QUOTE=spielman5]Try this aftermarket place, I used some brackets from them for my AC when I installed a ZZ4 in my 1976..Good luck..Terry

www.zoops.com

[/QUOTE]

Here is the page with the alternator brackets: http://www.zoops.com/product-listing.asp?ID=7

I would still be iffy if it would give enough clearence. Although, they might work. I need maybe another 1/4 inch clearence to be able to get that cap free. I might try it when I have a spare hundred bucks laying around! LOL

Another idea - if you don't have AC, I would imagine it is possible to move the alternator to the other side. Maybe? OK, I went back and read your sig - you have AC.

jgoglick2007-04-05 19:30:55

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (9/22)
4/5/07 7:44pm

Adams' Apple

Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20206

My little engine that could is almost impossible to get the P/S cap off of, too. Made the mistake of trying to check it one day...with it running...

Not one of my smarter moves...
I have to reach down from behind the pump to get to it, screw it off, and lift/tilt/turn/cuss to get it out. It would really be easier to fix the dam leak...

You gotta watch using a "reverse rotation" watering pump on an earlier small block(before '92 or so). The engine is not designed for that, and you'll wind up roasting it. If the pump is designed to just spin backwards, but still pump in the normal direction, it will work.Adams' Apple2007-04-05 19:46:25

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (10/22)
4/6/07 8:04am

lukesvette

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

I have a V belt set up from March Pulleys. They're awesome and the finish is incredible. Although my set up is for a small block, they also make BB sets specifically for Vettes. I highly recommend them.

______________

LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (11/22)
4/6/07 10:40pm

Gale Banks 80

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo 1969 Convert Big Block 1996 Grand Sport Convert

Joined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241

I have the Sepintine Belt Setup from Vintage Air. This was Built for a Street Rod but will Bolt Right into a C3 with No Modifications at all and looks so profesional that most people forget that the Car ever had a V Belt setup. Plan on Using there Alternator and AC Compressor and PS Pump. Oh did I mention that its Not going to be Cheap. They Now make a Bigblock version and You will just have to assume that it will work and let the rest of Us know if it did or did not. Richard....

______________
My Car...PIC 1 PIC 2

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (12/22)
4/7/07 8:57am

miket
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette, 454 cid, Coupe, Silver w/ Black leather interior, 4 speed, AC, PS

Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 22

Richard, Do you have a stardard rotation water pump, reverse rotation, or electric water pump? I would like to use a standard rotation. Has anyone seen a system that uses 2 serpentine belts? I saw a system like that on a C2 at Carlisle last Summer. I have pictures, but I don't know who made it. I think using a 2 belt serpentine system is the only way I can use standard rotation water pump, PS, and AC.

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (13/22)
4/7/07 10:14pm

Gale Banks 80

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo 1969 Convert Big Block 1996 Grand Sport Convert

Joined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241

The Vintage Air Uses a Reverse Rotation Water Pump just Like the GM did when they came up with the Serpitine Belt. Another Option might be the GM Power Book I beleive that they Sell a Kit. I have also seen some setups that need Two Belts but that would meen that they couldn't make it work any other way. It would only waist More Space. What difference dose it make wich way the Water Pump Turns anyway? Richard....

______________
My Car...PIC 1 PIC 2

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (14/22)
4/8/07 1:46pm

miket
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette, 454 cid, Coupe, Silver w/ Black leather interior, 4 speed, AC, PS

Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 22

Richard, I already have the water pump, and I have heard that adding coolant is tricky. Have you had any issues with that?

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (15/22)
4/17/07 3:39pm

miket
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette, 454 cid, Coupe, Silver w/ Black leather interior, 4 speed, AC, PS

Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 22

Anybody out there have any experience with an Edelbrock water pump vs a Stage 2 Stewart?

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (16/22)
4/17/07 9:42pm

Gale Banks 80

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo 1969 Convert Big Block 1996 Grand Sport Convert

Joined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241

The Water Pump dosn't Care wich way its Going so adding Coolant isn't any diffrent at all. On a C-4 LT1 or LT4 with Reverse Flow threw the Heads they can get a bit Tricky and GM has added an extra Bleeder because of it. Lets Not get a Reverse Flow (LT! or LT4) Engine mixed up with a Reverse Direction Water Pump. When You install a Serpintene Belt and Spin a Reverse Direction Pump its got the Vanes on the Impeller the Opposite Direction so the Water goes in the Original Path. The Engine and Radiator and Coolant System will never know any thing has Changed. The Flow threw every Hose and Head and Block is still as Original. If You spin a Water Pump in the Opposite Direction that the Impeller is intended for You will get little or no Flow and not the Opposite Flow. Hope I havn't made it more Confusing.Richard......

______________
My Car...PIC 1 PIC 2

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (17/22)
4/18/07 11:12am

miket
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette, 454 cid, Coupe, Silver w/ Black leather interior, 4 speed, AC, PS

Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 22

Richartd,

Thanks, I got it. You did not make it more confusing, you actually cleared it up. Reverse rotation does not mean reverse flow. I thought it did. But I got it now..

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (18/22)
4/18/07 9:01pm

Gale Banks 80

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo 1969 Convert Big Block 1996 Grand Sport Convert

Joined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241

Rotory Motors Zoom Zoom, Rat Motors Roar Roar. Richard....

______________
My Car...PIC 1 PIC 2

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (19/22)
4/18/07 9:56pm

lukesvette

Nice motor miket!! Thumbs%20Up

______________

LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (20/22)
4/19/07 5:46am

miket
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette, 454 cid, Coupe, Silver w/ Black leather interior, 4 speed, AC, PS

Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 22

Richard,

You are absolutely right. And this engine definitely roars. We broke it in on the engine stand. Wow, what a beast. The "zoom, zoom" story is this: I could not figure out how to get the picture of my engine posted to my signature. So, I downloaded it to my profile, and the C3 website administrator did the work for me..........and they added "zoom zoom". As soon as I can figure out how to make changes, I will modify it. The engine is actually now installed in the frame. That's the picture I wanted to use, but it wouldn't download from my files because the file was too big.

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (21/22)
4/19/07 9:22pm

Gale Banks 80

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo 1969 Convert Big Block 1996 Grand Sport Convert

Joined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241

Thats why I don't have any Pictures Posted. I don't own a Camera that I can Take a Picture with a Small enough File to Fit. Richard.....

______________
My Car...PIC 1 PIC 2

Belts, Pulleys and Brackets (22/22)
4/23/07 9:11pm

Gale Banks 80

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo 1969 Convert Big Block 1996 Grand Sport Convert

Joined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241

Saturday I found another advatage of the Vintage Air Serpintine Belt Setup. You can Remove the Engine and Trans Setup Complete from the Car Without Unbolting anything off the front of the Engine or even the Radiator. Might not seem like a big deal but it sure speeds thing up and saves on the Bloody Knuckles. Richard.....

______________
My Car...PIC 1 PIC 2

Our Sponsors help support C3VR