Following up from my previous comments, I removed the CVF Racing serpentine conversion kit. I just began installing the March conversion kit (2-piece w tensioner). The conversion kit allows for use of a mechanical fuel pump and my previously purchased Mechman alternator. OMG there is no comparison, using the Edelbrock 8856 water pump installation was a breeze! Thicker brackets, less use of the water pump bolts, and so far everything has aligned perfectly. It is amazing the difference a properly designed product can make. Like you I used 3 washers on the AC side, to make up for casting differences. I'm waiting for a power steering pump with A&N fittings (tomorrow) and an AC kit from Vintage air. Of course while waiting for the kit from March I removed the entire factory AC, condenser, and box. Guess I'll install those PTFB Pro G-braces with no AC in the way. Thanks
Thank you for making this nice video and being so awesome at talking & showing the steps you took. It is nice to have someone explaining (without rough language-- I can actually share this with my dad!!!!) and loud background noise when trying to hear the dialogue. Awesome video!!!!
Thanks! Yeah, trying to make these videos to prevent others from making the mistakes I made... ha, ha... I really appreciate the comment. Good luck on your build, and don't be shy if you have any questions. See ya!
I'm working on becoming a UA-cam certified mechanic, so pardon the ignorance; but how much of a PITA would it be to install the serpentine kit with the engine in the car still?
Ha! Yeah, we're all working on being YT Mechanics... ha, ha... actually, it's not as bad as you think to install it while in the car, just take your time. Have fun, and keep us posted!
Mike, your video has made me want to toss my pullys and get this kit for my 78 Trans am! Question for you though, I have a vintage air kit compressor for the A/C. Will I need a specific one for this set up along with a different alternator?
Hey Jack, thanks and good question! I'd be willing to bet the vintage air compressor has the same mounting holes. BUT, it's best to reach out to March and ask them directly. You're gonna love it!
The Marsh Kit says you can't use a Mechanical Fuel pump and a Remote Res Power Steering , I See you got a Mechaical pump ,what did you do to make it work
Good question... there are a couple of different Pontiac kits, where the power steering pump bracket is a different length. The one I have in this video is the longer one, and pushes the pump more out board. BUT, I don't think it'll work in a Firebird, hence the shorter bracket. Hope that makes sense.
Could you please tell me what size the crank pulley is, I have the older March set up, it’s only like 6” across. And I don’t put out as much amps as I did, my engine runs hotter with theses pulleys I may go with that set if the crank pulley is bigger. Thank you.
Good question Eric, my flange OD is 7.5" So, actual diameter for the belt is probably 7". So, if you go bigger on the crank pulley, accessories run slower. Which could be a good thing for your water pump, but will produce less amps for your alternator. It will also depend on the alternator pulley diameter too. Hope that helps!
I'm not sure... March had two different Pontiac set ups with this kit for A/C and power steering. One has a "far" steering pump bracket, and one has a "close" adapter. I have the "close" adapter, but I'm not running a mechanical fuel pump, so I don't know if it would interfere.
Monte ,Yeah the bracket looks better black ,than the aluminum bomb look ,mixing colors and finishes looks good, Do you have an Email or PO Box for your channel ? If not I totally understand ,I have some questions for you ,I’m not a Facebooker but I could possibly hatefully stumble thru it ,Thank You !!!
Did the crank pulley need to be balanced with the engine? I'm looking at mine and it's got a few holes drilled in it, which has me worried that if I do a serpentine conversion, I'll create all kinds of harmonic chaos and boom. 469 is down.
You referring to the Aluminum crank pulley? No, it doesn't need to be balanced, it doesn't have enough mass to have a couple extra holes affect anything. That said, when you get your assembly balanced you should get the flywheel and harmonic balancer balanced too. Hope that helps.
@Fast Monty's Garage ahh. My engine is in the car and runs great, I've been hoping to avoid having to pull it to do this. I was wanting to just do the serpentine swap without a total rebalance. Not that I couldn't, I live pretty close to butler performance, but if I'm pulling it, I'm gonna do a lot more than just a conversion. But if I'm understanding you right, I should be able to just do the swap, correct?
Monty after watching your video i elected to purchase a march system it comes with a edelbrock water pump your using a flow kooler any issues? i am asking as i have a flow kooler pump now thanks
Great to hear ... actually, yes, when using the flow kooler, you have to shim some of the stand offs. Note the differences in flange thickness between the Flow Kooler, and the Edelbrock, at each standoff location. That'll get you in the right direction. Email me if you need any further help...
, Mike, when installing the AN fittings at rear of the heads, the drivers side that has the freeze plug, did you just pull it, the tap the opening to 5/8ths ?
Gary, good question... I have Edelbrock heads, which are already tapped with a 3/4 NPT thread on both heads. If you have stock heads, and they're still in the car, it might be easier to knock out the freeze plug and install the same nipple that's on the passenger head. You'd have to use standard water hose, instead of AN style. Unless there's a press in adapter for that freeze plug to convert it to a thread??? Thanks for the comment, and let us know what you choose to do!
Ha! I don't have customers. I'm just a guy learning from my own mistakes, in my home garage. :) But, to your point, no. I know nothing about 301 turbos. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks Steve... yeah, the best way is at the very end, after the belt is installed, with the pulley hand tight. Use an impact wrench. If you're installing it while in the car, and an impact wrench won't fit. Wrap the belt around the pulley, like a strap wrench, and use the impact wrench. Just be careful not to scratch anything. I hope that helps.
@@FastMonty thanks Monty. You own an awesome ride, man. Great to see it develop. I'm working on a 68 rs Camaro. Got a similar kit from March Performance, a single belt Style Track kit for the 454 BB Chevy engine. Got hung up on fastening the alt pulley. Sent an email to March guys couple of days ago but no reply so far. S.
@@stevecanyon23 Thanks Steve... yeah, March's email support is spotty. Much better to call them. Anyway, glad I could help, can't wait to see your beast roar.
@@stevecanyon23 Ha! Trying too... going through ANOTHER rebuild. Tear down video is this Friday. What a fun hobby... ha, ha... Thanks again for the comments.
1979 Trans Am Pontiac 400 motor. Beware if you installed a Flow Kooler water pump from a previous video!!! Speak directly to the manufacturer and use ONLY what they recommend or enjoy wasting hours. Good luck with the stand offs, shimming, adjusting alignment, nightmare job with the engine in car.
As mentioned in the video, you have to compare the differences between the standard water pump and the flow cooler. Yes. It's a challenge, but worth it. Secondly, and I learned this later, you can change the depth of the power steering pump pulley... which was also throwing off my measurements. (Mine was pressed on too far) Thanks!
@@FastMontyI installed the Flow Kooler a couple of months ago. Saw you had to shim but seemed easy enough. I went with the CVF two brackets rather than a single one, since I had the Flow Kooler and a new $400. Mechman alternator. The March kit requires their alternator, electric fuel pump, remote reservoir and more. Waiting for CVF on Monday, they sell THEIR water pump designed for the kit. I think Edelbrock works also. As you mentioned being cautious about bending the brackets. I got a bolt on power steering pulley, and I am waiting on a universal Mechman serpentine pulley. Btw March and CVF same owner now. This kit went from reasonable to ridiculous $$$!!!
@@funhumanusa Ohhh, didn't know they have a Monopoly on serpentine belt systems... I like what you're trying to do, using the best of the best components. And yes, it's frustrating. But, worth it, as you're doing what you deem to be the best solution for your car. Can't wait to see it! Thanks for the comment!
Monte ,Yeah the bracket looks better black ,than the aluminum bomb look ,mixing colors and finishes looks good, Do you have an Email or PO Box for your channel ? If not I totally understand ,I have some questions for you ,I’m not a Facebooker but I could possibly hatefully stumble thru it ,Thank You !!!
Greg, yeah, my email should be in the "About" section on my Channel Page. I can see it, but don't know if subscribers can? Please take a look and let me know.
@@gregschultz2029 I just tried it from my Wife's account... if you click on my icon, which is the circle with my picture in it, it should bring you to my Channel Page. You should see above all the videos listed, across the top... Home, Videos, Playlists, Channels, Discussion, and About. Click on About, you should see a Details section, where it says "For Business Inquiries" click to View Email Address. You'll then be instructed for a Captcha. Please give that a shot.
Following up from my previous comments, I removed the CVF Racing serpentine conversion kit. I just began installing the March conversion kit (2-piece w tensioner). The conversion kit allows for use of a mechanical fuel pump and my previously purchased Mechman alternator. OMG there is no comparison, using the Edelbrock 8856 water pump installation was a breeze! Thicker brackets, less use of the water pump bolts, and so far everything has aligned perfectly. It is amazing the difference a properly designed product can make. Like you I used 3 washers on the AC side, to make up for casting differences. I'm waiting for a power steering pump with A&N fittings (tomorrow) and an AC kit from Vintage air. Of course while waiting for the kit from March I removed the entire factory AC, condenser, and box. Guess I'll install those PTFB Pro G-braces with no AC in the way. Thanks
That's awesome! Thanks for the update!
Thank you for making this nice video and being so awesome at talking & showing the steps you took. It is nice to have someone explaining (without rough language-- I can actually share this with my dad!!!!) and loud background noise when trying to hear the dialogue. Awesome video!!!!
Thanks! Yeah, trying to make these videos to prevent others from making the mistakes I made... ha, ha... I really appreciate the comment. Good luck on your build, and don't be shy if you have any questions. See ya!
I'm working on becoming a UA-cam certified mechanic, so pardon the ignorance; but how much of a PITA would it be to install the serpentine kit with the engine in the car still?
Ha! Yeah, we're all working on being YT Mechanics... ha, ha... actually, it's not as bad as you think to install it while in the car, just take your time. Have fun, and keep us posted!
Mike, your video has made me want to toss my pullys and get this kit for my 78 Trans am! Question for you though, I have a vintage air kit compressor for the A/C. Will I need a specific one for this set up along with a different alternator?
Hey Jack, thanks and good question! I'd be willing to bet the vintage air compressor has the same mounting holes. BUT, it's best to reach out to March and ask them directly. You're gonna love it!
Are the screws for the idler cover the same as the alternator cover
Good question... I honestly do not recall. They may be a little bigger on the alternator cover.
The Marsh Kit says you can't use a Mechanical Fuel pump and a Remote Res Power Steering , I See you got a Mechaical pump ,what did you do to make it work
Good question... there are a couple of different Pontiac kits, where the power steering pump bracket is a different length. The one I have in this video is the longer one, and pushes the pump more out board. BUT, I don't think it'll work in a Firebird, hence the shorter bracket. Hope that makes sense.
Could you please tell me what size the crank pulley is, I have the older March set up, it’s only like 6” across. And I don’t put out as much amps as I did, my engine runs hotter with theses pulleys I may go with that set if the crank pulley is bigger. Thank you.
Good question Eric, my flange OD is 7.5" So, actual diameter for the belt is probably 7". So, if you go bigger on the crank pulley, accessories run slower. Which could be a good thing for your water pump, but will produce less amps for your alternator. It will also depend on the alternator pulley diameter too. Hope that helps!
@@FastMonty Thanks brother love your videos!!! Keep em coming!
Hello Monty, what is your serpentine bracket part number? Thank you
I'm not sure... March had two different Pontiac set ups with this kit for A/C and power steering. One has a "far" steering pump bracket, and one has a "close" adapter. I have the "close" adapter, but I'm not running a mechanical fuel pump, so I don't know if it would interfere.
@@FastMonty thank you
Monte ,Yeah the bracket looks better black ,than the aluminum bomb look ,mixing colors and finishes looks good, Do you have an Email or PO Box for your channel ? If not I totally understand ,I have some questions for you ,I’m not a Facebooker but I could possibly hatefully stumble thru it ,Thank You !!!
Did the crank pulley need to be balanced with the engine? I'm looking at mine and it's got a few holes drilled in it, which has me worried that if I do a serpentine conversion, I'll create all kinds of harmonic chaos and boom. 469 is down.
You referring to the Aluminum crank pulley? No, it doesn't need to be balanced, it doesn't have enough mass to have a couple extra holes affect anything. That said, when you get your assembly balanced you should get the flywheel and harmonic balancer balanced too. Hope that helps.
@Fast Monty's Garage ahh. My engine is in the car and runs great, I've been hoping to avoid having to pull it to do this. I was wanting to just do the serpentine swap without a total rebalance. Not that I couldn't, I live pretty close to butler performance, but if I'm pulling it, I'm gonna do a lot more than just a conversion. But if I'm understanding you right, I should be able to just do the swap, correct?
@CaLico RiOT correct. The pulley that comes with the serpentine kit should be perfectly balanced. And an extra hole will not affect it.
Monty after watching your video i elected to purchase a march system it comes with a edelbrock water pump your using a flow kooler any issues? i am asking as i have a flow kooler pump now thanks
Great to hear ... actually, yes, when using the flow kooler, you have to shim some of the stand offs. Note the differences in flange thickness between the Flow Kooler, and the Edelbrock, at each standoff location. That'll get you in the right direction. Email me if you need any further help...
, Mike, when installing the AN fittings at rear of the heads, the drivers side that has the freeze plug, did you just pull it, the tap the opening to 5/8ths ?
Gary, good question... I have Edelbrock heads, which are already tapped with a 3/4 NPT thread on both heads. If you have stock heads, and they're still in the car, it might be easier to knock out the freeze plug and install the same nipple that's on the passenger head. You'd have to use standard water hose, instead of AN style. Unless there's a press in adapter for that freeze plug to convert it to a thread??? Thanks for the comment, and let us know what you choose to do!
monty have you ever had a customer pay you to build a 301 turbo?
Ha! I don't have customers. I'm just a guy learning from my own mistakes, in my home garage. :) But, to your point, no. I know nothing about 301 turbos. Thanks for the comment!
nice video, how did you install the alternator pulley?
Thanks Steve... yeah, the best way is at the very end, after the belt is installed, with the pulley hand tight. Use an impact wrench. If you're installing it while in the car, and an impact wrench won't fit. Wrap the belt around the pulley, like a strap wrench, and use the impact wrench. Just be careful not to scratch anything. I hope that helps.
@@FastMonty thanks Monty. You own an awesome ride, man. Great to see it develop. I'm working on a 68 rs Camaro. Got a similar kit from March Performance, a single belt Style Track kit for the 454 BB Chevy engine.
Got hung up on fastening the alt pulley. Sent an email to March guys couple of days ago but no reply so far.
S.
@@stevecanyon23 Thanks Steve... yeah, March's email support is spotty. Much better to call them. Anyway, glad I could help, can't wait to see your beast roar.
@@FastMonty same here, keep them rolling! ✌
@@stevecanyon23 Ha! Trying too... going through ANOTHER rebuild. Tear down video is this Friday. What a fun hobby... ha, ha... Thanks again for the comments.
Those March kits are prohibitively expensive. Damn.
Yeah, they're an investment... but, worth it! :) Thanks for watching!
1979 Trans Am Pontiac 400 motor. Beware if you installed a Flow Kooler water pump from a previous video!!! Speak directly to the manufacturer and use ONLY what they recommend or enjoy wasting hours. Good luck with the stand offs, shimming, adjusting alignment, nightmare job with the engine in car.
As mentioned in the video, you have to compare the differences between the standard water pump and the flow cooler. Yes. It's a challenge, but worth it. Secondly, and I learned this later, you can change the depth of the power steering pump pulley... which was also throwing off my measurements. (Mine was pressed on too far) Thanks!
@@FastMontyI installed the Flow Kooler a couple of months ago. Saw you had to shim but seemed easy enough. I went with the CVF two brackets rather than a single one, since I had the Flow Kooler and a new $400. Mechman alternator. The March kit requires their alternator, electric fuel pump, remote reservoir and more. Waiting for CVF on Monday, they sell THEIR water pump designed for the kit. I think Edelbrock works also. As you mentioned being cautious about bending the brackets. I got a bolt on power steering pulley, and I am waiting on a universal Mechman serpentine pulley. Btw March and CVF same owner now. This kit went from reasonable to ridiculous $$$!!!
@@funhumanusa Ohhh, didn't know they have a Monopoly on serpentine belt systems... I like what you're trying to do, using the best of the best components. And yes, it's frustrating. But, worth it, as you're doing what you deem to be the best solution for your car. Can't wait to see it! Thanks for the comment!
Too much chrome. What a maroon
Ha! You shoulda seen rev 1 of this engine.
Monte ,Yeah the bracket looks better black ,than the aluminum bomb look ,mixing colors and finishes looks good, Do you have an Email or PO Box for your channel ? If not I totally understand ,I have some questions for you ,I’m not a Facebooker but I could possibly hatefully stumble thru it ,Thank You !!!
Greg, yeah, my email should be in the "About" section on my Channel Page. I can see it, but don't know if subscribers can? Please take a look and let me know.
Fast Monty's Garage ,Mike ,I sure don’t see an email anywhere ,I checked other videos also
@@gregschultz2029 I just tried it from my Wife's account... if you click on my icon, which is the circle with my picture in it, it should bring you to my Channel Page. You should see above all the videos listed, across the top... Home, Videos, Playlists, Channels, Discussion, and About. Click on About, you should see a Details section, where it says "For Business Inquiries" click to View Email Address. You'll then be instructed for a Captcha. Please give that a shot.
Mike Montanari ,I get to About ,Then there are no options,I’m on a IPad,This is me ,Taog5691@gmail.com
@@gregschultz2029 Ahhh yeah ipads are strange. I'll email you tomorrow!