Anyone remember what issue and what mag did the article on converting a V-belt system to a Multi-rib belt system? The article was this year in either PHR or CHP. I am not looking for a serpentine conversion, rather the multi-rib belt system.

What is the difference between serpentine belt and a multi-rib belt? I thought it was the same thing.

A multi-rib belt act just like a V-belt but with multiple ribs (more contact area = less required tension = less bearing wear). Looks just like a Serpentine belt (heck it might be the same thing). The difference is that you do not "snake" the belt around all of the accessories.

So you just want to use a typical 5 ribbed belt? That is a serpintine belt. Do you just have crank, alt. and wp pulley? March makes a system for whatever you need. Also, if you want a cheaper system, check out Alan Grove Components.

I have seen the March setup, but I noticed that the serpentine system has the water-pump rotating backwards! Do you need a special pump or does it not make a difference which way these pumps turn? I have Alt., Water, and PS. There was an article in a car mag this year that listed out the part numbers and such for the conversion. This utilizes short 5-rib belts to accomplish the same thing as a serpentine, but without the "snaking" or the belt and having the tensioner. I have seen the conversions for serpentine and they just look unnecessarily bulky and odd when fitted to an early SBC, IMHO.

March makes a kit that does not spin the wp in reverse, but it doesn't use just one belt for all 4 pulleys, the ps has a separate belt.

If you want to run one belt, you're going to have to get a reverse rotation water pump. That's the only way I've seen it done.

Here's a factory type option, http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=NAL-12497697&N=120%20305341

That is the one that I am thinking of...short seperate 5-rib belts (one for waterpump and alternator and one for the ps-pump).

Here you go,

http://www.marchperf.com/products/sbclwp.jpg

http://www.marchperf.com/pg11.html

Check Summit for a better price.

Time for a trip to the wrecker. GM used a similar setup just before going to a true serpentine. Check cars 86 and newer. I know my 86 Cutlass uses it. The only thing is the power steering is still a normal V-Belt.

Steve

I got my setup from a mid 80's Suburban. It follows the same route the V belt did, but like the post above, it uses a V belt for the steering. I think it was a worth-while upgrade for 12 bucks.