Serpentines on a 383?

[matchframe]

I am still in the planning stages of how to build the engine on my '78. I am going to build the engine myself and have just located a good performance machine shop near where I live. My goal is to get about 400 to 450 HP. I am starting with a new 4 bolt main block with a new steel crank, and building from there. Is there much performace advantage in going with a serpentine setup like what March offers? Or is my money better spent elsewhere? What would you recommend? Thanks!

Bill

[Mako]

With a full March setup (PS, AC, ALT, water pump and crank) going for north of $800, I dunno. It's georgeous stuff to look at, but as to freeing up power, I can't really say.

You can install "under drive" pulleys to slow down the roration speed of some of the components and that'll buy back some HP from spinnging the accessories, but other than that, I cant see much in the way of power gains at the rear wheels.

I'm tempted to do this myself, it's just soooo classy looking, but it's a tonna cash for the priviledge.

Bottom line, I feel the gains in the eye candy department are far above those in the HP dept.

CYa!
Mako

[matchframe]

Thanks!

[Ganey]

Much better spent elsewhere if the goal is Performance.

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Bill,
if you are going performance, DO NOT GO WITH UNDERDRIVE PULLIES!!! as Mako stated, they slow the rpm of your accs. what you end up with is poor charging and bad water circulation. the power steering will be sluggish at idle and the A/C won't be up to snuff sitting in traffic. the serpintine system does offer advantages though. you need considderably less belt tension to run everything, translating into longer lasting water and power steering pumps along with improved alternator life. aluminum pullies are soft, and if a V-belt slips in them, they get cut/grooved easily. i bought my March serpintine set-up for $450 - $500 from Summit. the only complaint is the fill cap on the p/s. it is tucked under the water pump leg and one huge pain to get off. i ended up cutting the cap to ease removal, and luckily it doesn't leak. they deffinately fit in the nice to have category. Brian

[MaineShark]

I kinda like my individual belts. I mean, if my A/C compressor gives up the ghost and melts its belt, the car remains driveable, because the other belts remain intact. With a serpentine belt, one accessory failing can spell doom for driving the car to the shop.

Redundancy is a good thing

Joe

[matchframe]

Thanks for the info! I think I will concentrate my funds into more important things such as decent heads etc...

Bill

[Jack]

Originally posted by MaineShark
With a serpentine belt, one accessory failing can spell doom for driving the car to the shop.Joe

So true ... fried a serpentine belt myself ... EVERYTHING shuts down.
JACK

[rgtrough]

Hey Bill, when I built the sbc for my sons' Firebird I went with the March undersized pullies with individual belts. Though I have no dyno tests to back up any claims, I felt a performance improvement. Charging of the battery, water temp. or power steering has never been an issue. Plus it really looks sweet.
If you are going with the 383 and are in need of a crank, harmonic balancer, flex plate, or 5.7 rods I have these and are willing to part with them at a very reasonable price. Email me if you are interested. Bud

[topless82vette]

matchframe

a late 80's camaro serpentine system will fit, I put one on our 82, takes some mods but looks alot better than the V-belt setup any day, now if I could get it all polished that would really look good