Serpentine vs. V-belt drives

[Stangrob]

Hi guys,

So, as convenient as serpentine belt drives are, I'm thinking about going old-school and using traditional V-belt pulleys and belts. I have a complete '68 SBF with the accessory brackets to leverage, plus the 60's vintage timing cover and stuff. My only question is the power steering pump...

For my 289 built I'm going with a power rack, so I gather I'll be using a GM pump of some sort. I'm wondering if they'll work in this application, or will I need to do something custom from a pulley setup perspective.

Have any of you guys gone in this direction, and did you run into any issues?

Thanks!

Rob

[StangRacer]

Rob, I am using a v-belt set up with vintage Mustang brackets for the more traditional under hood appearance. I did briefly do some research about using a Ford power steering pump from the 60's era but had a difficult time finding any flow rate and pressure data to see how it would match up with the Mustang rack. I then focused on the Saginaw GM style pump with the correct orifices to correct the flow rate for the Mustang rack. Ultimately, I decided to go with manual steering for the time being. If I convert to power steering in the future it will be using the Saginaw GM pump. I had a difficult time finding a bracket that would match up with the vintage Mustang brackets, I am "anti-bling", and the best I found was a steel bracket made by Borgeson... https://www.borgeson.com/Ford-289-302-351W-Saginaw-P-S-Pump-Bracket.html I didn't research how it would align the pullies because one could just machine spacers to put the pump where needed.

I did find an original style cap for the GM pump that would add to the vintage appearance... https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1969/chevrolet/corvette/parts/15130.html?gclid=c3d9a0d7e7e21bdf76c1c9c159170e35&gclsrc=3p.ds&&gclid=c3d9a0d7e7e21bdf76c1c9c159170e35&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=c3d9a0d7e7e21bdf76c1c9c159170e35&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BL%20-%20Microsoft%20-%20Classic%20Industries%20-%20Shopping%20-%20CatchAll&utm_term=4576992030664436&utm_content=All%20Products

[Mike.Bray]

I combined a timing belt and a serpentine belt just to be different:cool:

221501

[Waterman]

I had a 1979 T-Bird 302 in my MK4 with an original Ford PS pump. I did remove the spring and cut it down a coil as many do, to lessen the pressure for more steering feel. I also liked the vintage look but have found it difficult to get new similar components(with pulleys) for my new 347. I went with a CVF kit on the new engine.221504

[Stangrob]

I combined a timing belt and a serpentine belt just to be different:cool:

221501

OK, I like that, especially the Gilmer belt on the alternator :D

Rob

[Rebostar]

I went with the V belt for the old school look to match the FE style expansion tank and pent roof valve covers to complete the old school FE look on my 427W stroker. I used the manual rack and added electric power steering. Here is a link to a company that will get you any and all accesory drives. I've used 3 of their systems so far. They make great products.

https://cvfracing.com/ford/

221547221548221549221550221552

[Stangrob]

I went with the V belt for the old school look to match the FE style expansion tank and pent roof valve covers to complete the old school FE look on my 427W stroker. I used the manual rack and added electric power steering. Here is a link to a company that will get you any and all accesory drives. I've used 3 of their systems so far. They make great products.

https://cvfracing.com/ford/

221547221548221549221550221552

Sweet setup. I'm planning to go with a surge tank as well. And thanks for the link - that may just be what I was looking for. I'm shooting for an old-school look with a few small nods towards more modern tech, such as a Pro-Flow 4 setup and power steering. I like your electric approach to PS - I'm hoping a remote reservoir will help minimize the impacts of the PS pump. We'll see as I get into the build...

Rob