[rose62]

Once I get my project on the road, I want zero issues when I'm in traffic, running the a/c. So, I'm considering opening the core support, going with the larger rad and keeping the serpentine setup. I don't care about originality. IJAC. Experiences?

 

[BlakeTX]

10+ years running the serpentine setup with zero issues. I really like it, though I’m not certain that there’s much of a performance difference between the two.

 

[j persons]

A serpentine belt will handle a high output alternator much better than a V belt. With the V, you will most likely have to run a double belt to stop alternator belt squeal.

 

[pprince]

Serpentine belt systems have been used and worked fine for 40 plus years.


V belt for originality.

 

[Huskinhano]

The serpentine is superior to a V belt.

 

[rose62]

What will I run into wiring in an alternator?

 

[Grimbrand]

The fender. But only if you're clumsy.

Dad jokes aside, it won't be hard. =)

 

[rose62]

"The fender. But only if you're clumsy.

Dad jokes aside, it won't be hard. =)"

Okay weisenhiemer!!! LOL. The fenders are off so I'll just bump into the tire!!

 

[lvhdude]

The fender. But only if you're clumsy.

Dad jokes aside, it won't be hard. =)

That there's some funny ****, I don't care WHO ya are! (Ron White)

 

[Kelly_H]

The serpentine setup will be better, as it handles higher output alternators and also is self-tensioning.

That said, I run 3 v-belts on my '66 289 daily driver (1 alternator, 1 power steering, 1 AC), tighten them about once a year, and have had no issues even running the motor up at high RPMs for extended periods of time. So, whichever floats your boat, really.

Incidentally, I live in Texas and have sat in traffic in heat upwards of 110*F with no issues. I have a stock rad support, a 2 row aluminum radiator, an otherwise stock cooling system (including 195*F thermostat), and my motor is knocked out 0.040" over and is not terribly stock. It shouldn't take anything radical to keep our cars cool. Some find that for cars that sit in very heavy traffic for long periods of time in hot weather (something you would see in Atlanta, for instance), an electric fan is the best solution because they can pull more air through the radiator while your car is idling than a stock mechanical fan can. But I don't know, I've never needed it.

 

[rose62]

Sold the 289 Thursday (thanks, Art) and got the 5.0 ('00 or '01 Explorer GT40P) on the stand. Removed the intake and it's very clean inside. I don't plan on taking the heads off as it's doubtful that I'll put more than 2K miles a year on the thing. That said, I have an Edelbrock intake and a 4100 for the engine, so, I'll be needing a front cover with the fuel pump boss for the mechanical fuel pump. I'm aware that the '85 roller, 4V engine had this cover. The question is will the Explorer serpentine stuff work with the '85 front cam cover or, will I end up having to source an entire '85 era accessory setup? Also, Kelly, would you post a pic of your setup with a good angle on the a/c compressor?

 

[zray]

here's my V-belt w/ air conditioner, etc. Although there's no 100 amp alternator on this car, I have put them a numerous vintage Mustangs, never had a issue with belt wear, or throwing belts. Like Kelly_H, I adjust mine once a year whether it needs it or not. For me, that works out to once every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

this thread is going to join the pantheon of classic vs. modern, which is better, more reliable, etc. etc. etc. Like points vs. electronic, the modern part is always going to have some modern qualities which make it seem a logical choice. However, does it really matter that the serpentine belt will to " this or that" better, if your V-belt is not giving you any trouble, not getting thrown off, not wearing out, and handling the a/c and 100 amp alternators OK ? If one goes down the "...modern technology is better" path, then eventually you will end up with some classic sheet-metal and an unrecognizable modern car underneath. If that appeals to you, then by all means go for the serpentine set-up.

BTW, a 100 amp alternator is never going to put out 100 amps. and stress the belt system, unless you have a massive stereo system and a massive Baja 1000 lighting system. Even the stock looking replacement alternators which generally are wired for 61 amp output are overkill for 99% of all cars out there. When I had an MSD Digital 6+ system, A/C with fan on high, aftermarket remote CD player w/ amp and H-4 headlights (on high beams), I still was only pulling a current in the low 30's amperage with everything on. A my stock looking alternator with 61 amp output wasn't even working much than 50% of capacity.

Z

 

[MrFlash]

Most serpentine setups are for reverse rotation water pumps. So you need a timing cover and matching water pump for reverse rotation. And all your pulleys have to match.
Also, that Explorer 5.0 won’t have a fuel pump eccentric. So you will have to add that and probably change the camshaft pin for a longer one that will hold the eccentric.
So get the timing cover off, have a look, then figure out which way to go.

 

[PA_cob]

I have a 3g 130 amp alternator on my car. Without fail every time I start my belt squeals. Its super annoying to me. I too have considered running a serpentine setup on my car. But since I don't have A/C or power steering it would be a basic setup. I have seen the kits from March and while they are nice, they are also expensive for just three pulleys and a belt. I have been wondering if there is a way to just source basic serpentine pulleys individually measure for the belt and go that way. Has on here done a conversion without buying a kit and if so what pulleys and belt did you use?

 

[Alan _MacDougall]

A serpentine belt will handle a high output alternator much better than a V belt. With the V, you will most likely have to run a double belt to stop alternator belt squeal.

I have a 140 Amp Tuff Stuff Alternator that is taxed by a high current draw dual amp stereo and many other accessories. With a high quality V belt tightened to factory specs, it does not squeal at all. And its on a 418W.

 

[Alan _MacDougall]

A serpentine belt will handle a high output alternator much better than a V belt. With the V, you will most likely have to run a double belt to stop alternator belt squeal.

I have a 140 Amp Tuff Stuff Alternator that is taxed by two high power amplifiers and many accessories. With a good quality V belt tightened to factory specs it doesn't squeal at all.

 

[1ofAMillion+]

Ive got 100A alt with a single short V belt and only get squeal if the battery is low, then only for a few few seconds at start up.
Unless you want to go with the V belts why change the stuff on the front at all? A low pressure electric pump would be sooo easy. + I have a never used Champion radiator in a '67 size(upgrade with minimal cutting) with the opposite side inlet meant for a 5.0 swap that Ive been meaning to list for sale.:grin2:

 

[GypsyR]

I have a 3g 130 amp alternator on my car. Without fail every time I start my belt squeals. Its super annoying to me. I too have considered running a serpentine setup on my car. But since I don't have A/C or power steering it would be a basic setup. I have seen the kits from March and while they are nice, they are also expensive for just three pulleys and a belt. I have been wondering if there is a way to just source basic serpentine pulleys individually measure for the belt and go that way. Has on here done a conversion without buying a kit and if so what pulleys and belt did you use?

One reason a 3G will squeal at startup is that they were designed to put out a lot of amps at low speed, which requires horsepower. The original 1G Fords, 2G Fords, and all those Delcos used for "1-wire" setups do not charge much at low RPMs's. That's why you can have a 1-wire rated for 9000 or whatever peak amps and not get low speed squeal. You don't get high speed squeal because none of us are actually using such an alternator's full capacity. Most of us (ahem) aren't even close to needing half of what they can put out.

Anyway. In the 1980's Mercury Grand Marquis 5.0's and the big Fords had an in-between serpentine setup. It ran the usual direction. You can spot them by the water pump pulley having grooves versus the reverse rotation ones being smooth. I've seen a couple of these used and they look slick. One of an F100 302 around here somewhere running only a water pump and alternator. Simple, and looks REALLY good. Belt was simply sourced according to what length he figured out he needed. An upgrade that's way down my list somewhere for mine. I have an alternator pulley so far.

 

[Klutch]

That there's some funny ****, I don't care WHO ya are! (Ron White)

Pretty sure it's actually Larry the Cable Guy. :wink:

 

[j persons]

I have a 3g 130 amp alternator on my car. Without fail every time I start my belt squeals. Its super annoying to me. I too have considered running a serpentine setup on my car. But since I don't have A/C or power steering it would be a basic setup. I have seen the kits from March and while they are nice, they are also expensive for just three pulleys and a belt. I have been wondering if there is a way to just source basic serpentine pulleys individually measure for the belt and go that way. Has on here done a conversion without buying a kit and if so what pulleys and belt did you use?

Alternator Bracket kit


He also has a longer tension rod for if you want the alternator to swing down next to the block. I used this kit on my FFR with a 95A alternator, but a 130 should be the same. He used to sell a ribbed WP pulley, but I don't see it listed. You may have to ask him about that.