Serpentine System for Flatheads

J

jjlamb

Junior Member
I like the old school simplicity of these flatheads, but I like the constant tension and lack of slippage on modern serpentine systems. Unfortunately, the serpentine sytem made by March Performance is out of my price range at $2100. I also don't like the billet look of it. It's too modern compared to the flathead.


Has anybody put together their own serpentine system that is more "old school", and hopefully cheaper? What are your thoughts?



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That's cool, in a billet sort of way, and I like the symmetry. But, like you said, it is a totally inappropriate look.

I don't know if you could make a serpentine setup look good on a flathead. the dual water pumps make it too complicated right from the start.
 
Pulleys painted painted same as engine color might improve the look but,
it would still look out of place.
 
Very high belt tension needed to run the serpentine belt drive which loads all bearings much higher than a v belt which requires very little.
 
Skateboard wheel tensioner on my 21 studder. You need 'em to prevent alternator belt slippage/squeal when it's delivering a lot of amps to the battery and accessories. I use them on my 60s era OT car. Jack E/NJ


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The skateboard wheel is an interesting idea. The serpentine systems do put more bearing load on the accessories, but not a lot more bearing load is required because the serpentine systems generally have more degrees of "wrap" on the pulleys. Maybe a serpentine system made out of aluminum plate would work, and the do some engine turning on it to give it some old-school bling.
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jjlamb said:
The skateboard wheel is an interesting idea. The serpentine systems do put more bearing load on the accessories, but not a lot more bearing load is required because the serpentine systems generally have more degrees of "wrap" on the pulleys. Maybe a serpentine system made out of aluminum plate would work, and the do some engine turning on it to give it some old-school bling.
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These are interesting ideas you have. Save them to look back on with giggles several years from now.

Seriously, I'm not putting you down, every newbie starts off with ideas that he later thinks differently about.
 
The March website says they are using the power steering pump to tension the system. I think that is the pulley in the middle where the fan hub is usually located. One of those idlers should probably be an automatic tensioner, but it wouldn't look as pretty.

Alignment is much more critical with a poly vee belt drive than a standard v-belt.
 
jjlamb>>>not a lot more bearing load is required because the serpentine systems generally have more degrees of "wrap" on the pulleys.>>>>


Agreed. Getting more degrees of wrap on the pulleys is the main advantage of idlers. Less tension is required to stop slippage on the stock flathead setup. Jack E/NJ
 
I find it interesting that they've got A/C and an alternator on what looks like a relatively stock motor
 
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I can’t remember the name of the maker of the blower he installed but when a friend put it on his flathead it came with a serpentine belt kit.
I have the brochure at home.
 
Check out Tom Roberts Design in CA. he sells a serpentine system, I just put one on my 59ab. I like it so much, gonna do my other one. Very reasonably priced, good parts.
 
Didn't find any good photos, but this is the Tom Roberts setup. I'm not a billet fan myself.
 

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