[Big Injun]

There continues to be a lot of thought about new accessory drive systems for the traditional V8—Serpentine or V-Belt (double). I am working with a highly reputable US manufacturer who wants to design a new accessory drive for our Pontiacs.

A serpentine system requires several idler pulley over a simple tension adjustment on the v-belt system. The idlers drive up the product cost. That said, what would you more likely purchase?

[Tom Vaught]

More likely put together a serpentine belt set-up as I already have the reverse rotation Pontiac Water Pump in my possession. I would use Ford Truck Idler Pulleys as they are cheap. Lots of Ford P/S pumps/ alt parts for serpentine out there including the mentioned F-350 truck stuff which is 8 rib.

If the guy you know does a better job than march it will be a good system. The March stuff is way too complex.

Tom Vaught

[Region Warrior]

I agree with Tom if i where to upgrade.
The poly rib system has less slippage at higher rpms.
More even wear on bearings.
No re-adjustments from wear.
Have looked at my setup many times try'n to figure how to make one less complicated then March's.

[mzbk2l]

Definitely serpentine. Aside from original appearance, I can't think of any other benefits to V-belt.

[440GP69]

March Serpentine system!!!! all the way!

[Big Injun]

Originally Posted by Tom Vaught

The March stuff is way too complex.

Tom Vaught

The concept is to provide solid support of the accessories in a compact space. We don't want to have accessories hanging too far out with a long belt.

[JC455]

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...=462942&page=4

On page 4, there is a nice picture of a compact design. Try contacting the the beta tester and see if his friend could help you along....
Oh yeah-- serpentine.

[JC455]

Beta tester is Fyrebird68.

[440GP69]

The Only Part i don't like about the March system is the AC always Hanging way out there, My setup will use E-water pump and another Idler But I don't see where anything will be Hanging out a mile JM2, JMO But i believe They should make a 3 bolt crank pulley And make it Flat inside for Crank Manderals

[67 Lamnas]

Originally Posted by 440GP69

The Only Part i don't like about the March system is the AC always Hanging way out there, My setup will use E-water pump and another Idler But I don't see where anything will be Hanging out a mile JM2, JMO But i believe They should make a 3 bolt crank pulley And make it Flat inside for Crank Manderals

Another problem with the March system is their crank pulley is too small (6-1/8" or similar) and doesn't drive the W/P and fan fast enough at lower engine speeds.....their design should have included a crank pulley diameter closer to that of factory.....8" or so.....

Can you say overheat @ idle?

[67gtocpe]

I have the march system on my 67 GTO and I have no problems with heat even in 100 degree plus summer temps. I used to have a problem when I ran the 67 timing cover and stock set up but when I went to the 69 plus cover and the march system my temps dropped drasticly even at long lights in hot summer temps. Car does not ease up on temps like it used to. I run a stock GTO Radiator also.

[67 Lamnas]

Changing from the undersize March crank pulley to a factory size pulley was the one thing I did that cured an overheating @ idle problem on my '67........

[1967Tempest]

Well, I voted for the v-belt system. I can't think of a car that hasn't had one problem or another.

Not to say that this engine in the Tempest is going to throw a belt or something, But I do know that when at a local show are on the way to a big one. Napa, Advanced etc.. Will more than likely have a v-belt.

That being said. The serpentine looks AWESOME!!

[HWYSTR455]

I think it's going to be easier to find a serp belt than a V belt, especially as time goes on. Number of ribs and length, sounds easy to get a replacement to me.

I say serp is the way to go, and not from a belt-toss perspective, more from better grip at lower tensions thing. My personal main drive would be to be able to run a high output alt!

Compact is the key, and modular would be a bonus (WP, alt, + PS, + AC, +blower). Aftermarket A-arms, low hood lines, etc, all make for a challenge, even with V belts. Would love to see a centrifical blower with AC setup, similar to the Butler one, go into mass production.

Personally don't care for either of the March setups, too 'street-roddy' for me, not to mention the AC almost past the fender. Then the whole idler thing....

Dream list: Compact, adjustable ratios, off the shelf parts, modular, and affordable. (Yeah, like that will happen any time soon!)

I had always thought along the lines of a plate between the block and timing cover as a starting point, and try to use as much off the shelf chebby/furd stuff as possible. BOP-E is half way there with the belt drive setup I would think, could take that a set further. I dunno, as much other things that need to be available, still seems secondary IMO. Would much prefer focus on quality replacement body panels....


.

[67cruiser]

Big Injun, Keep it simple and easy installation, can,t wait to see it, please keep us informed on how soon it will be completed. Rich

[quicksilver97ta]

Originally Posted by JC455

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...=462942&page=4

On page 4, there is a nice picture of a compact design. Try contacting the the beta tester and see if his friend could help you along....
Oh yeah-- serpentine.

That looks really good. Looks like you could have the option to switch over to an electric water pump without changing anything but the belt. I like that.

[440GP69]

I hear ya about the Hot rodder Look on the March's I am thinking of Getting mine Powder coated Black or somthing along those lines for less of a "Look at me" Se of pulleys lol

[GTO364CID]

Looking at the something like the March "Style Track" system at $1800, how much more does going serpentine cost over putting together a v-belt setup with comparable new parts?

[440GP69]

I bought my Full March Set Brand New from a guy off PZ for 350$!, I would have done a home made serpentine with ford idler and P-dudes help on Pulleys But i found this first, FWIW The Quality is Very Nice

[performerrpm]

some nice v belts pullies and good v belts is good as it get for me. i think the serp idea is kinda cool for the older cars but so is 24 inch wheels these days. ill keep my v belts and 15's