SBC Serpentine Accessory Belt Upgrade (Page 5/7)
2.5 AUG 26, 10:51 AM
Anyone know what car came with a serpentine driven V5 compressor? I'm having a difficult time determining it just from parts store websites.
fieroguru AUG 26, 11:43 AM
When I have done this swap, I kept the stock Fiero AC compressor and just swapped out the clutch/pulley to the serpentine setup. The removal/install tool isn't too expensive.
2.5 AUG 26, 12:17 PM

quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:

When I have done this swap, I kept the stock Fiero AC compressor and just swapped out the clutch/pulley to the serpentine setup. The removal/install tool isn't too expensive.



Seems to be what I hear. Just seems woerd to buy a new compressor only to put old parts on it. I have never done it, does that mean it will have old bearings / moving clutch parts? Id hate to get it all said and done and the old parts fail.
Also mine is a GT with a 305 that has the brackets set up for a V5.
Thanks

If anyone knows please let me know. saw a good deal on ebay for one, but I asked the seller and he said he drop ships them and even though the pic shows a serp belt drive he doesn't know if that is what it will have on it.

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 08-26-2016).]

2.5 AUG 26, 01:45 PM
OH I think I found it. A compressor for a 1991 Buick Skylark with a 2.3 quad 4. Available at parts stores.
V8Steve SEP 05, 11:15 PM
Update:
Dorman has acknowledged their part is defective in the sense of not having a press fit ( such as Pioneer part). At the same time Rock Auto has (finally) agreed to take the part back.

This has taken me an extraordinary amount of time with Rock Auto and their telephone answerers to even discuss a defective part they sold me. Finally the end is in sight: They sold me a defective part, would not discuss it and blew me off, and forced me to solve it myself. So I took it up with Dorman who was highly responsive and acknowledged the part was defective.

Rock Auto tells me they will take it back...finally..after all I told them..duh!

Rock Auto:
My experience with routine parts was OK but when I found a defective part it was a huge disappointment when their "programmed" customer service was useless, it was clear to me their customer service was unacceptable when it came to an honest question.

[This message has been edited by V8Steve (edited 09-06-2016).]

Formula350 SEP 05, 11:32 PM
V8Steve, when Dorman admitted the part was defective, was that a manufacturing defect or is that a design defect? I just bought the same Dorman part number thru Summit a couple months ago to do this serpentine conversion on my V8. Sounds like I should just go ahead and return it.
V8Steve SEP 06, 08:10 AM
Hi Formula,
I was told it was defective and that could mean by design or manufacture or both. Mine was a loose fit with several thousandths clearance. The Pioneer balancer from Autozone was a press fit.
Formula350 SEP 10, 12:32 PM
Thanks V8Steve. I decided to return the Dorman balancer. Summit customer service was excellent - no questions asked, and they provided a pre-paid shipping label. When I am ready to drop the engine down to do this I'll pick up a Pioneer at Autozone.

So how did yours turn out? Got any pictures?

[This message has been edited by Formula350 (edited 09-10-2016).]

V8Steve SEP 12, 11:41 AM
Formula,
I'll be glad to share pictures when I'm further along. That works both ways, and I'd be glad to see pictures and learn tips from anyone who's done this belt mod. For now, the 355 CI engine is still in the shop and the balancer is mounted. In fact, it's ready for dyno test now. Expected HP is between 425 and 450.
V8Steve SEP 13, 10:26 PM
Here's the Auto Zone balancer installed. It's not exactly a bolt on as it was honed to reduce the amount of "press fit". Since it went on and off several times, the holes were fitted with heli-coils. Finally it was shimmed between the timing gear and inner nose of balancer to make the balancer face slightly proud of the crank nose. Although the balancer was pressed on, the shimming allowed the final Grade 8 bolt to be fully preloaded against the face of the balancer.

I haven't yet figured out how to cut the relief in the Archie alternator bracket for the tensioner.

Note: The Canton Racing remote oil filter is temporarily attached there for purposes of the upcoming dyno test.