306 Crate Motor Pulley Setup Advice Needed

[AZMike75]

So I've yanked the tired old 302 and purchased a 306 from Blueprint Engines. I'm struggling with the front drive setup that will work with the balancer installed on the engine. It was my intent to run a v-belt setup utilizing my existing power steering pump and a new single wire alternator. The bronco previously had the vintage air installed but the compressor and bracket were missing- so I'd like to add that too. Any suggestions on what would be a good pulley arrangement would be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure I'm picking the right setup that will give me room for a nice big aluminum radiator for the AZ heat.

 

[tirewater]

So I've yanked the tired old 302 and purchased a 306 from Blueprint Engines. I'm struggling with the front drive setup that will work with the balancer installed on the engine. It was my intent to run a v-belt setup utilizing my existing power steering pump and a new single wire alternator. The bronco previously had the vintage air installed but the compressor and bracket were missing- so I'd like to add that too. Any suggestions on what would be a good pulley arrangement would be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure I'm picking the right setup that will give me room for a nice big aluminum radiator for the AZ heat.

My 2 cents is to use the Explorer pulley setup, even if it means a ribbed belt. The 3 groove pulley for the v-belt setup is pretty long and will interfere with some fans. A longer spacer would need to be used on the fan, which brings things closer to the radiator. A thick radiator may not have the space required to allow everything to fit.

 

[Bogar]

I have my eye on the BluePrint 306 Bronco Edition and can't wait to hear how it performs! The HP and torque numbers are impressive. Sorry I can't offer any help on your question, but would love to hear more about the engine.

 

[bronconut73]

Explorer Serp and don't look back brother,,,,,

 

[AZMike75]

Explorer Serp and don't look back brother,,,,,

Thank you!

I have my eye on the BluePrint 306 Bronco Edition and can't wait to hear how it performs! The HP and torque numbers are impressive. Sorry I can't offer any help on your question, but would love to hear more about the engine.

On paper it looks like a good bang for the buck- we'll see how it runs! I'll keep ya posted!

My 2 cents is to use the Explorer pulley setup, even if it means a ribbed belt. The 3 groove pulley for the v-belt setup is pretty long and will interfere with some fans. A longer spacer would need to be used on the fan, which brings things closer to the radiator. A thick radiator may not have the space required to allow everything to fit.

Makes total sense- thank you for the input- much appreciated!

 

[DrLathrop]

Explorer Serp and don't look back brother,,,,,

Will the explorer spec a/c compressor hook up to the vintage a/c system? I'm looking at the same engine & have the same setup & want to run an explorer serp kit.

 

[bronconut73]

Mine hooked up fine with a line adapter from Summit.
It just bolted on to the compressor and the lines attached to it. I used the Explorer style Compressor.
BC makes a bracket to allow you to use their (VA/BC) compressor with the Explorer serp system if you like.

 

[Soylent]

It was my intent to run a v-belt setup utilizing my existing power steering pump and a new single wire alternator.

That's basically what I did. Not running a thick aluminum radiator though.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[rguest3]

I would go with the Explorer serpentine as well. As stated, it's a much shorter front to back serpentine system that provides a lot more room for a larger/thicker Radiator. I would not even consider a V-Belt style since there are other better Serpentine systems.

Explorer Specific Timing Cover - You will have to replace the Timing Cover you have now for the Explorer serpentine system and Pull the Balancer to do so.
Explorer Specific Water Pump with Thermal Fan - These work Great!
Explorer Alternator Bracket (Passenger Side Bracket) and 3G Alternator for the Explorer.
BC Broncos PS / A/C Bracket (Driver's Side Bracket) for the Explorer. - Mount a Saginaw Pump and The Explorer AC Compressor
Current Balancer can be used with Adaptor Pulley for Explorer - BC and WH has these.

 

[Broncobowsher]

With what you describe, explorer serpentine. Trying to package 3 accessories (A/C, power steering, Alternator) in a Bronco with belts running all of them is tough. Add in the cooling demands of A/C in AZ and fan selection is critical. Explorer is the only thing that checks all the tick boxes in my book.

 

[SteveL]

Seeing that pic brings up an issue I ran into on my 351w running the smaller diameter pulleys like that with a stock ps pulley. Worked ok until I added hydroboost. Then I notice the ps pump not turning fast enough. This is with a saginaw pump. As far as this thread I'm another vote for the explorer serp set up. That's what will be on my next motor if not sooner.

 

[sanndmann3]

I might be a little biased () but I would do Explorer serp like most of the others said...
so many improvements in one package...

 

[bronconut73]

I might be a little biased () but I would do Explorer serp like most of the others said...
so many improvements in one package...

Yup/\/\/\

 

[joshd1971bronco]

You didn't ask...but do a bit of research on radiators if you haven't already. Aluminum isn't automatically better than copper/brass.
I ended up with a triple pass copper/brass one from Wild Horses. Fits in the stock mounts and is supposed to cool wayyyy better due to the longer dwell time in the radiator. Some will say they are 'tougher' than the aluminum Rad's.
I don't have any empirical data as I just installed it and finishing my build but it looks quality and isn't too much thicker than stock.

I'd rather be driving my Bronco

 

[bronconut73]

The triple pass rads are bad ass, but kind of expensive.
I went with the aluminum Champion rad as sort of an experiment. A cheap experiment too. About $145 bucks and is still doing great.
If I upgrade it would definitely be the BC/WH triple pass copper brass with reversed outlets for my Explorer Serp Swap.

 

[SteveL]

Not a fan of aluminum radiators. Especially in a truck or 4x4.they have their place in racing but that's it for me. Too brittle if your flexing around and too much pamp ering to keep corrosion down. The copper/brass cool better, more durable and aren't too picky about what you put in em..
.

 

[DrLathrop]

Trying to get the explorer SERP system I got from a member here to work. Problems so far with this onnthe blueprint engine; the bolt thread pattern on the blueprint heads have an issue or I’m trying to put the wrong bolts into the heads. The balancer that came with this setup is too big diameter to go on the crank.

 

[DrLathrop]

Have any of you seen this setup? https://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-1993-...m=232388011732&_trksid=p2349624.c100935.m2460

 

[DrLathrop]

The blueprint engine is 50oz external balance. Will the swap require switching to a 50 oz flexplate for c4 as well?

 

[70 Steed]

The blueprint engine is 50oz external balance. Will the swap require switching to a 50 oz flexplate for c4 as well?

Yes, Blueprint also sells the 50 oz flexplate.