Serpentine Belt System - Stock 302

[Stock Farm]

Hi all -
I’ m looking recommendations on a serpentine belt system for a totally stock 1976 302 (tired of dealing with the updated squealing alternator).

Please let me know what you guys have used and where you got it.
I’d like to stick to the factor radiator fan if possible, if not, it is what it is...

If there is a budget version (like the ones you guys use for the Explorer conversion, that would be awesome).

Thanks in advance

 

[snipes243]

Explore setup is pretty much the ticket.

 

[68Broncoz]

I would agree just installed one and it is great!

 

[Stock Farm]

So the explorer system bolts right up to the older 302’s, without changing anything (balancer, water pump)?

 

[76YETI]

I had the same prob. I updated to 3G alternator and BAM...squealing! Went to the Serp. Setup by Sanndmann3 and love it. Also, the fan that comes with it puts out a LOT of air!

 

[cldonley]

So the explorer system bolts right up to the older 302’s, without changing anything (balancer, water pump)?

Check out the tech article on the explorer serpentine upgrade. It is great, tells you all you need to know.

 

[sanndmann3]

So the explorer system bolts right up to the older 302’s, without changing anything (balancer, water pump)?

It is a bolt on, but you have to change everything from the Timing cover forward. Its all or nothing so all the pullies line up. Timing cover and waterpump are Explorer specific. Mechanical fan also.

2 options for harmonic. Use Explorer and rebalance (if your engine is 28 oz-in) or get the conversion pulley from Wild Horses or possibly other Bronco vendors.

Tech article is in this link. Well written and lots of info...
http://classicbroncos.com/tech/explorer-5-0-serpentine-accessory-drive-belt-conversion

lastly, I sell detailed kits if you are interested. see thread below...
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220355

 

[DirtDonk]

And your current upgraded alternator will be no good to you anymore as well. The Explorer uses it's own unique (or semi-unique) side mounting design. Very solid, but you're not going to mount a standard alternator there without a LOT of un-reasonable work.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

You also lose the use of any mechanical fuel pump. So if you're not already running electric, then to paraphrase Master Yoda "mmm, you will be..."

Paul

 

[MarsChariot]

Read all about it over in the Bronco Tech section
https://classicbroncos.com/tech/explorer-5-0-serpentine-accessory-drive-belt-conversion

 

[sprdv1]

Read all about it over in the Bronco Tech section
https://classicbroncos.com/tech/explorer-5-0-serpentine-accessory-drive-belt-conversion

Yes sir.. Good place to get some know how there

 

[sprdv1]

You also lose the use of any mechanical fuel pump. So if you're not already running electric, then to paraphrase Master Yoda "mmm, you will be..."

lol, indeed.. From the master

 

[Slednut10]

Are you running a single v belt? You can get a slightly larger deep groove pulley that works well to eliminate belt squawking. I'm running one of these.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-Deep-V-...3?hash=item2cf5e443e5:g:V8AAAOSwH1VaqrEc#rwid

 

[jckkys]

I had a similar problem by going to a 100A alternator. I already had 2 groove pulleys on my '77 so I just used both to turn the alternator. The squeal only occurred at start up with the single belt. 2 belts fixed it for about 20 bucks. If I loose 1 belt I can get home on the other. Loose the serpentine belt and your stranded.

 

[Stock Farm]

Thanks for all the feedback...
I’m running a 2 grove pulley with two belts, still a problem (have to tighten every few months).

I really don’t want to change the components needed run the explorer system.

So back to square one (for me) - anyone running a aftermarket system that can be bolted on without changing waterpump and balancer?

 

[bronconut73]

Alot of those aftermarket systems like the one from Blue Print are really pricey and do not provide the cooling of the Explorer serp system.
This change is a big one, so I understand your hesitation. I went March pulleys and then BC pulleys trying to avoid the Explorer Serp swap.
Avoided it for at least 10 or 12 years. Wish I hadn't.....it is a night and day difference.
Better waterpump in my opinion, sure moves a lot of water.
If you have a stock ps pump now them get ready for a waaay better ps pump.
Automatic alternator upgrade to 140 amp.
No belt squeal at all.

And the fan.....man that fan moves a shitload of air. Moves more air than anything else for an eb.
It's a game changer.

You will have to throw some Benjamins at it.
About $350 for a kit from Sandmann here on CB.
Alternator from DB electronic on Ebay; 'bout a hundred bucks.
A/C compressor for an Explorer from Visteon on Ebay: 'bout a hundred bucks
Flowkooler WP from WH; 'bout a hundred bucks.
Sandmann often leaves the junk yard Explorer ps pump attached to the bracket. Its for mocking up your lines. But I used and it was great.
Maybe modify your fan cowl/shroud.
I got a Champion reverse inlet radiator on Ebay: 'bout a hundred and fifty bucks.

Yes it can be done for less.

You will also need to switch to an electric fuel pump if you hadn't already as the Explorer timing chain cover is too thin to accommodate the mechanical fuel pump eccentric on a 70's sbf.

Its worth it.
Wish I had done this ten years ago.