Conversion - Accessory Belt and Pulley Mounting

A major concern is the serpentine belt routing to drive the alternator. LT1 Camaros and Firebirds came with the alternator mounted in front of the right cylinder head, the A/C compressor mounted on the lower right corner, the power steering pump between them, and a tensioner to the right of the balancer. It is impossible mount an A/C compressor in the stock position without hitting the right frame rail right where the steering mounts. (There was a 1LE A/C delete pulley offered ’93-‘94 early cars, but the outside radius of the pulley hits in the same place.) The only two solutions are an aftermarket setup from March or Street and Performance, or fabricating a new setup. An aftermarket setup costs between $500.00 and $600.00 depending on whether or not you want A/C, and you will have to install a ‘Vette crank/balancer pulley spacer and use a specific alternator. Also, I am not certain the alternator and compressor wouldn’t sit too high for hood clearance in an aftermarket setup. Tony and I went with fabricated setups that duplicate the stock belt routing from the crank pulley to the alternator, but fit within the front profile of the engine. Tony did his own work, mine cost about $280.00 in parts and labor. I may look into an aftermarket setup in a couple years (I still have fantasies about getting a Vintage Air A/C system in the car.) but for now I’m more concerned with getting a reliable setup that works.

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