I'm considering replacing my current accessory drive setup with a GM Performance Parts complete accessory drive kit with the A/C compressor. I have a couple questions about this swap, hoping for some help.

1. I'm placing this setup on a 400SB. Will I be able to see the harmonic balancer timing marks and tab that will be at about 2 o'clock or will the bracket castings be in the way?

2. Will the stock upper and lower radiator hoses work? I'm worried about the routing of the upper hose over / around the alternator.

3. Will this setup clear an 8" balencer on the 400SB?

4. Any issues with running the refrigerant lines for the pancake style A/C compressor included with this kit?

5. Factory power steering hoses work?


Any input / advice would be appreciated.

This kit comes complete with the reverse flow water pump, power steering pump, alternator, compressor, belt, brackets, bolts, etc.

If this kit is like the factory stuff that is used on a stock 3rd gen Camaro/Firebird (don't know if it is or not) you won't have any issues except perhaps on #4 (A/C) since I don't know what you're staring with.

Don't forget a reverse-rotation style water pump, if the kit doesn't come with one.


[This message has been edited by Damon (edited September 19, 2005).]

[This message has been edited by Damon (edited September 19, 2005).]

Damon:

Thanks for the input!!! My brother works at a GM dealership and he compared the part numbers of the components of this kit with production uses. The vast majority of the kit would be correct for a third gen car, other parts were correct for similuar year GM trucks. I can't remember the details. He might be able to help me out on the price of this kit . . . who knows. My car is a factory A/C car and I think I have all the firwall mounted components and the evaporator, dryer, and condensor. I know the dryer is wasted, and I have fear of the other two components. I should be able to use -AN lines to build the lines.

I looked into this sytem quite a while ago for my son's 80 Z. Nice setup, and a good price too. Basically, it's a third gen setup. Since GM continued the same inlet/ outlet positions on the rad, you should be able to use a third gen upper rad hose, your stock lower should work, or swap to a thrid gen one. Watch out for metric fittings, most thrid gen cars weremostly metric. You didn't mention what year the heads are, you will need the ones with the accessory bolt holes on the front for it to bolt up correctly. AFAIK, the 8"balancer will work fine, haven't seen any notes from GM stating otherwise. The refrigerant lines can be made up locally, shouldn't be a problem. Power steering hoses may have different fittings than yours, depends on the year of your car: wouldn't be surprised that a thrid gen pressure hose works if you have the later style fittings on your ps box. I think they changed over in 1980. I can't be sure about the timing pointer. would have to look at the setup on a friends third gen.

This is a very complete kit that's hard to beat.

John

The stock pointer on my '92 Camaro is closer to the 1 o'clock position.

I have to aim my timing light straight down at the timing cover behind the water pump in order to see it.

------------------
350CID, Vortec 062 heads, Magnum 280, Performer Intake, Holley 650 DP, 3.42 rear w/ Auburn posi, 2600 Stall/TC
"Things are more like they are now than they ever were before."
Former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Zed brings up a good point- later (about 1982-up) power steering pumps used metric fittings with a double-flared o-ring fitting. Older PS pumps used SAE fittings and a single 38* metal-to-metal type flare (totally incompatible fittings). I should mention that the steering boxes used would also have the same types of fittings as the pump they put on a car (older vs. newer style). They go hand-in-hand.

Good news is that older pumps will bolt right in place of newer ones (and vice versa) on the brackets. Yes, V-belt and Serpentine pulleys also swap from one pump type to the other as well. You could put your old pump onto the newer serp. bracket if you swapped the old v-belt pulley for a Serpentine one. Then you could keep using your existing PS lines and existing steering box.

Also, regarding the 12:00 timing tab position that AJ mentions.... that's used on a lot of late-70s-up engines. The location of the timing tab and the mark on the balancer are matched to eachother to line up in that position. The timing tab is welded to the front of the timing chain cover from the factory.

MOST aftermarket stuff (balancers and matching timing tabs) will use the more common 1:30 position.

Better still.... ALL 8" balancers were designed for use with a 1:30 position timing tab. SO..... if you're using an 8" balancer you can just use a commonly available bolt-on timing tab that uses 2 of the timing chain cover bolts to hold it on. For all I know the kit may come with a timing tab like this already. If not, it's as close as the cheap chrome parts aisle at your local auto parts store (Moroso, Spectre.... they all make one).


[This message has been edited by Damon (edited September 22, 2005).]

Damon:

Thanks again for the input and sage advice. My car is 71' Camaro Coupe with factory A/C and Power Steering so maybe I'll luck out and be able to incorporate this kit with little troubles . . . especially after the help of this site.

Dave