serpentine conversion recommendation
I'm in the process of swapping the original 318 engine with a 1973 360. I wanted to convert the belt system to a serpentine system. Has power steering and no AC. I also wanted to upgrade the charging system in the process. Looking for a recommendation on a kit and what exactly is needed to accomplish this. I'll be replacing the power steering pump in the process also. I believe this means getting the reverse direction water pump but wanted to confirm exactly what I need. Thanks in advance.
Brian
Hey Brian. I used the MARCH serpentine set up w/P/S on my LA 360.
In my opinion the easiest (and quite possible cheapest) would be the magnum setup. For that you’ll need a timing cover, accessory bracket, alternator (which you said you wanted to upgrade anyway so you can get a 90amp all the way to 150amp) crank pulley and you can either go with a truck style power steering pump and bracket or get a 5.2/5.9 Jeep pump and bracket. It mounts high on the driver side cylinder head. In all honesty you’d probably be just as well off going to a junkyard and buying a core for 2-300 then you get your accessory drive and a spare builder in the process.
Partially agree. For me, that would be a 100% done deal but IDK if the OP would want a spare engine to build taking up space.
However! Reselling what is left over could make it free. Purchase price dependent! (I like the idea.)
Why convert to serpentine?
I'm pretty sure a Magnum timing cover won't take a mechanical fuel pump, fwiw.
Converting to a serpentine belt makes replacement easier. Not all store around me have the proper V belts. Why I don’t know since there still used on other machines.
The serpentine belt system is a personal choice. IMO, they look good.
That’s correct. The Magnum will not take a mechanical fuel pump.
The Magnum setup would also require the Dorman A/C delete pulley (unless you can locate one of the relatively rare non-A/C Magnum setups).
Not true. While I happen to have a Magnum non A/C bracket, I did initially have the regular Magnum bracket that had the A/C.
The Magnum brackets also require a fair amount of trimming to clear a standard LA thermostat housing, unless you have a later manifold with the offset (and somewhat smaller) thermostat.
I have not found that to be an issue at all. Though I have not used it with a OEM intake manifold, just a Edelbrock RPM- AG.
Some of the mounting points will change also. Expect to do some rework to get the LA bypass hooked up to the Magnum water pump- usually just an angled barb adapter and a trimmed hose.
I used extra hose length. Not pretty IMO.
I don't know how it compares to the Jeep power steering pump and brackets, but the B van brackets fit well in the A body engine bay and clear the stock battery tray, which the truck bracket does not. Unsure of the Jeep or Dakota brackets.
I’m grey in this area myself. I’m sure the answer is in the grey matter upstairs somewhere. I know it’s here on FABO…..
Somewhere!
LOL!