Duck

TheScaryOne asked for info about upgrading his '87 IROC to a single serpentine belt system, so I rummaged around in the Duck-archives and put the attached "How-To" PDF together. This is a great MOD that improved my '87 IROC.

J_Makk z28

Thanx. it is just what i was lookin for but if n e 1 can answer, can i use the old ac and alternator and just change the hoses for ac and pulley?

jmd

iTrader: (4)

87-down AC is a v-belt and the alt. won't bolt in without an adapter from a Taxi application and potentially a wiring adapter.

J_Makk z28

Right, so can i change the pulley's? another thing, i was at the pull yard today and say a 90 rs with a serp belt but it was a v6, can i use that tensioner and brackets? the a/c and alternator where in the same places as i have now

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

i don't think that set up will work...

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

but this might helpsum of u wat r tryin 2 put this set up on there earlier cars...

check it out...
thirdgen.org/techboard/electronics/582447-check-out-big-help.html

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

Maybe the following will add something helpful to the conversion:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/afte...rsion-kit.html

JamesC

J_Makk z28

Thanks for that info. but as i was comparing an 89 tpi and a 90 rs v6 side by side, they look similar. anyone have any other insight on weather or not i can use the v6 serpentine set up on my 86 tpi v belt conversion? and also grab the pulleys. i mean everything is in the same place, and that was my concern about makin it easy and cheaper. thx alot

DacMan

What is the real advantage of a serpentine belt setup other than reliability? I have a 305 and just bought new belts for it (three) and have been told going serpentine would be a good upgrade, do i gain any power, or somthing or is it just the simplicity of one belt?

Thanks, DacMan

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Simplicity of belt swaps.
A serp belt systems' automatic tensioner should give the belt much longer life than a manually tensioned system.

The AC hoses on the PS side make it easier to swap engines without disconnecting the compressor.

Alternators have improved over the years and the stock later ones are better than earlier.

If you're going Gen III later, I wouldn't worry about doing the swap unless it's reasonably priced to you.

Primetime91

iTrader: (15)

Not gonna work, period.

You can probably use some of the accessories, like the alternator and maybe power steering pump. But NO brackets will fit

The V6 cylinder banks are at a 60* angle as opposed to a 90* for the V8, which is the real reason the setups are different

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Ok, been reading almost all the posts here about the conversion. I got a serpentine system off a 1992 Z28. So besides the possiblity of re-routing the fuel line from the mechanical pump, I am assuming that my bone stock 1987 LG4 should be able to accept the serpentine brackets without any mods to the heads? I understand that earlier heads will need to be tapped for the A/C? Correct me if I am wrong. Thanks.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

yes that is true...u would need to tap one more whole into the head so u can bolt in the bracket correctly...or u can go ahead and bolt it in with out tapping another whole in the head...

i just bolted up mine just like that and it was to 81 truck engine...u will need a 88 water pump or newer tho...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

The reverse flow water pump I knew about getting. Damn, I was hoping that since it was an 87 engine, it would be similar to the 88' block and heads with everything ready to go. Live and learn.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

yea i kno i thought the same thing...it will still bolt on all but one bolt...

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Why would he need to tap an 87-up head? I can't think of any reason 87 heads would differ from 88.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

bcuz it doesn't have the rite amount of holes as the 88 heads...it doesn't have the same amount of holes where the brackets mount...

but i can b wrong tho...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

I almost went back out to the garage to verify the amount of holes on the passenger side head. But got lazy. LOL.

But knowing GM, and since 1987 was an odd year of changes to cars (basically should we or shouldn't we? and what the hell) mentallity, it may have the hole needed but like I said I have to check. Just wanted to see how many with the 1987 LG4 had attempted this conversion.

An example of last minute change, my LT was originally to have the clear front turn signals like the Berlinetta and have the side stripes as only a dual line style. Most LT's I have seen have the amber front lights like mine did, but my side stripes have tripple lines from the factory, so long story short, I need to check and count my holes.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Ok, took the alternator, A.I.R. pump and all the brackets and all the stock components. Turns out, I have the necessary hole to attach the serpentine bracket. Here are some pics.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

that's good...the question now is did the heads on all 87's come like that?...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Good question on the heads. Would be interesting to hear from other 87 owners who did the conversion.

Btw, that fuel line in the pic is gone. After a few choice swear words, I decided to get a new one once everything is bolted up. I gave up on completing this project today. I'll continue next week when I get a new 88' on up water pump, new radiator hoses, and wiring for extending the alternator plug and such.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

aww that sucks...

btw where can u find that gas line?...

i need one...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

The one I just destroyed was a new one I had re-done at Simpson Buick when it was in Downey. Yea, a long time ago. I am going to have to do a search for a new one.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

o ok...let me kno...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Found another issue with the conversion. I guess all the water pumps from 1988 to 1992 do not have the heater hose connection. So the heater hose then has to be connected through the intake manifold. Correct me if I am wrong guys and gals.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

wen u say heater hose?...do u mean the hose that connects 2 heater core?...if that's wat u mean yea they do have that also u just need 2 replace the plug with the nipple from ur old water pump...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Yea, the longest hose that connected to the water pump on the 87' on down models. I did notice a plug on the water pump. So just screw that one off and pop in the old nipple from my other water pump to it?

Btw, on the A/C pump, there was an extra connector with wires, I took that off and switched it out with my old solid oil filler plug.

Man, and then to know where the bolts go since I bough this kit used on Ebay is a pain. But at least it's getting there.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

yea that is correct...

yea i noticed the connecter on the a/c pump...
can u post a pick of how u connected that...i have a 83 camaro and i don't have all the same wires...can u post a pic of the wires also?...

o ic...i bought my set up at the junk yard...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Yea, the compressor oil fill plug didnt have a sensor like on the later ones with the serpentine kit. I just swapped the plug sensor from the new compressor heald on by a snap ring and swapped it out with the solid plug also attached with a snap ring. I'll try to take a pic of the way the old plug looks on the newer compressor. Just have to figure the connector on the older model which was attached on the back of the older attaching point of the hose to the compressor.

Now that I think about it, that may be the reason for the sensor on the oil fill plug due to design change. Have to look at everything again. Damn.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

o ok thanks...

lol...its a pain when u try to do a conversion just like that......

do u know what each wire is for on the a/c pump for?...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Well it can be pain for me when trying to figure out where things go without instructions and constantly printing out pics and other people's conversion details. But the benefits in the end tend to be better.

And as for the heater line on the water pump, it turns out that from 1988-1992, that connection was moved over to the radiator. The longer water line ran along the right side of the engine bay by the wheel well area. Also, it seems that the bypass valve is a three connector instead of two. Got a 1991 RS V-8 water pump and removed the screw cap so essentially, I dont have to get the 88 on up style radiator.

1bad71

i would just get a stock rad for a 91-92 car. then it already has the heater hose port. and its lighter and more efficent.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Btw, does anyone know what the name of that squarish brass connecter that hooks up the power steering pressure hose to the power steering gear where the pressure switch sits on top? Need to get a new one since the one on my car only accepts the stock 16mm on both ends and the pressure hose from the pump needs is 18mm.

1bad71

yours has a pressure sensor in line? must be a idle up switch for the computer? mine dosent have it. it's just straight line from the pump to gear box.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

You can get the hose for a non-AC car to eliminate it if you want.

It's a cutout for the AC compressor on some 4bbl cars. Hi-psi = continuity of one of the AC clutch electrical is broken temporarily.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Well I dont want to eliminate the switch out. So is it safe to assume that after 1987 that switch was completly taken out? If so, then I am going to have to custom fab something with the new high pressure hose I had bought for my car prior to the serpentine adventure.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Right. Gone in 88-up F-bodies.

I just re-read your post. It sounds like you have an 88-up (or non-AC early) pressure hose and need one for an 87 LG4 car. Might have to bend a little bit to clear the serp. bracket too.

I would assume B-bodies and trucks w/ 4bbl had that adapter piece too. Might be easiest to call a dealer for it... or junkyard.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

The serpentine kit I got was from a 1991 Z28. The original pressure hose was already attached to the pump. So what I was thinking is to get one of those hand-held butane torches and work on the "U" bend behind the pump on that one new hose I had ordered for my previous set up. Of course I am going to have to be totally carefull in not to heat up the alumminum pipe to the point of melting and just enough heat to make it bend to where I need it to. Labor of love I suppose. LOL

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Quick Update:

I went ahead and ordered a new positive battery cable. Luckily, Gary at Innovative wiring was able to customize a 1987 style cable but with the longer, correct length to the re-located alternator. The 1988-1992 style had additional connectors which I didn't need.

Also ordered from Summitt a new Goodyear idler pulley and Gatorback serpentine belt. The old idler looked o.k., but I didn't want to take any chances. Electrical wiring will be next for the alternator and the A/C compressor this weekend.

Almost done...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Found another problem with installation. The A.I.R. valve diverter is interfering with my dual snorkle setup. Going to have to bend the pipe from the A.I.R. pump to the valve. And see how that goes.

drknow90rs_ss@y

iTrader: (3)

I did this swap on my '86 IROC a few months ago... Mine is a TPI car, so the only problems I ran into were the hard fuel lines. Bought some braided lines and adaptors and that fixed the problem. Be careful bending the diverter valve pipe, they can break off easily at the A.I.R. pump (Flange).

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

i had to do the same also...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Going to use my new mini torch from Sears to heat up the pipe and make the bending a bit easier. Going to use the torch on the new power steering hose bends as well.

A curious thing I found out while searching the forums here. Turns out that there are a total of 4 braces needed for the serpentine set up to be complete. The two long ones for the alternator and the A/C pump and then two smaller ones for the A.I.R. pump and the power steering pump. Going to have to find those.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

wen u say braces wat do u mean by that?...

i bolted everything on, on 2 brackets...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Braces as in the one that goes behind the alternator to the first exhaust manifold bolt and the A/C compressor brace that goes behind it to the third bolt on the right exhaust manifold, the power steering brace goes behind the pump to the same bolt where the alternator's brace attaches to the exhaust bolt. And as for the A.I.R. pump brace, have to double check on that one again.

drknow90rs_ss@y

iTrader: (3)

I only know of two braces: the top two. I cannot use either as I have headers. I may try to custom make one for the alternator side though birdtojag had his drivers side bracket crack under stress. Most of the guys on here dont use the braces, iirc. I like the way the braided hoses look, gets lots of compliments!

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

o ok...but yea i only know of the top 2...but i don't think I'm gona b using them...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Apparently the braces are there due to the vibration harmonics the accessories make and the stress they put on the brackets they are attached to. I'll find the thread and post it on here when I find it.

drknow90rs_ss@y

iTrader: (3)

Thats exactly what they are for. The brackets are just cast aluminum.

83C_CamAroZ28

iTrader: (12)

ok now i know wat they r 4...but do we really need them?...if so i will put them on..if not then y bother u know..