454 fan belt configurations

[Scott Sims]

1970 Corvette 454---I have the correct alternator pulley for a 454 Corvette with AC and it is a single grove pulley not on the alternator yet. My car also has power steering and the pulley on the current alternator is a double groove. Am I supposed to have a double groove alternator pulley? If not to what other pulley(s) does the alterantor belt go to besides the crank? I have the assembly manual but I'm not sure I'm interpreting it correctly.

Thanks,
Scott

[Dick W.]

Re: 454 fan belt configurations

Scott. 1969-72 454 with ac belt arrangement is living proff that "Rube Goldberg" lived at least until that design was in production. #1, do you still have the belt idler (probably not, see more with out than with). It provides adjustment for the back belt which drives the water pump only. Next belt out from water pump drives the alternator and water pump. The second grove on the alternator drives the power steering pump. Just a two groove crank pulley. The third belt out drives the air conditioning compressor. It is enough to give you a headache if you do not have another car or the Assembly Information Manual to assist you with the installation.

I remember the first time I tried to install a set of belts on one of these cars. Someone else had removed the old belts. Time for a bottle of extra strength Excedrin, and a bottle of Gentleman Jack.