Pulleys & Serpentine Belt Systems

I. The Serpentine Conversion: Performance and Reliability

The single biggest upgrade to the external engine bay is the conversion to a serpentine belt system. Serpentine (ribbed) belts offer significantly more surface area contacting the pulleys, ensuring positive grip even under extreme loads.

Key Advantages of Serpentine Systems:

• No More Belt Throwing: Eliminates the problem of V-belts slipping off at high RPMs, ensuring the alternator, power steering, and water pump run consistently.

• Constant Tension: Modern systems include spring-loaded tensioners (unlike fixed V-belt brackets), which automatically compensate for belt stretch and load variations.

   

• Aesthetics: Serpentine kits feature precision CNC-machined billet aluminum brackets and pulleys, available in polished, clear powder-coat, or Stealth Black finishes, providing a clean, high-end look to the engine bay.

Butler’s Serpentine Solutions (March & CVF):

Butler Performance offers full Serpentine All-Inclusive Systems that are application-specific for the Pontiac V8:

• Complete Kits: These kits include everything required: billet pulleys (crank, water pump, alternator, power steering), dedicated mounting brackets, a modern alternator (often $105$ to $140$ Amp), an A/C compressor, a new power steering pump (often GM Type II), and the serpentine belt itself.

   

• System Tiers: Options range from the CVF and March Ultra systems (more visible mounting) to the March Style Track and Revolver kits (more compact and stylized mounting), ensuring a fit for various chassis and builder preferences.

   

• Requirements: These kits are typically designed for the popular 4-bolt harmonic balancer (1968 and newer) and the 11-bolt water pump (1969 and newer $4.5\text{inch}$ length).

   

II. V-Belt Upgrades: The Traditional Look

For builders who must maintain the factory V-belt appearance for originality or period correctness, Butler offers billet aluminum V-belt pulley kits that improve on the flimsy stamped-steel originals.

• Billet Aluminum Construction: These pulleys are CNC-machined from solid billet aluminum, making them stronger, lighter, and more concentric than stock pulleys.

   

• Underdrive/Overdrive Options: Butler offers both stock-ratio and High Flow (Overdrive) ratio V-belt pulleys. Overdriven water pump pulleys spin the water pump faster, improving cooling at low engine RPMs—a great benefit for street cruisers.

   

• Conversion Kits: They provide specialized V-belt pulley kits for specific conversions, such as allowing builders to use a newer, more efficient $4.5\text{inch}$ water pump on earlier 8-bolt timing covers.

   

• Finishes: V-Belt kits are available in polished billet, black, or black onyx finishes to match the engine bay theme.

III. Specialty Brackets and Components

Beyond the complete systems, Butler offers crucial accessories for custom setups:

• Alternator Relocation Kits: For builders using electric water pumps or seeking a cleaner look, Butler provides Low Mount Alternator Relocation Kits that move the alternator closer to the block and lower in the chassis.

   

• Individual Pulleys and Brackets: All individual components—crank, water pump, alternator, and power steering pulleys—are available for repair or custom setups.

   

By choosing Butler Performance for pulley and belt systems, the Pontiac enthusiast ensures a reliable, slip-free drive system that enhances both the function and the appearance of their high-performance V8.