I'm planning on fitting my Camaro with a serpentine setup, but want to go GM not aftermarket. I've looked at a few big block 454 engines in trucks, as they are all I find that are new enough to have a factory serpentine belt on them. So far I haven't found a used set, as the wrecking yards want to keep them on the engines when they sell an engine.
Anyone know when Chevrolet started putting the serpentine system on big blocks? I'd like to know what years I can look for, so I can narrow down my search.
Don't want aftermarket if I can help it, as I'd like to always be able to get replacement parts from any Chevy dealer.

 

I could be mistaken, but I didn't think the stock serpentine setup came on standard rotation water pumps? Serpentine belts generally ride on the back side of the belt and spins the reverse flow pump counter-clockwise. I don't know what you would be concerned about replacing again later? A pulley isn't going to go bad unless you drop a wrench at the pulley setup with the engine running. I went with aftermarket on mine.

 

Yes I know when I go with stock GM I will also need to change the water pump also, but that's OK as I need to change the water pump anyway. My engine has a short water pump and everything I see is for a long water pump. I'd have to change water pumps regardless.
I know I can get a March or Billet Specialties system complete with power steering and alternator pulleys and brackets for under $500.
I may end up going with one of them, but I'd prefer stock GM. I know they don't just fail, but if anything ever froze up the aluminum pulleys would go away pretty fast, and then they'd need replacing.

 

i wish i could go serpentine with mine. i hate hitting a puddle and losing power steering on those really wet oregon days. its cause its tight but not godly tight and its a notched style belt so it holds water for a few seconds then drys out so i lose the power! haha

 

Going serpentine on a SBC is a lot cheaper from what I've seen. Lots more choices for the SBC.

 

yeah.. though.. i dont mind it TO much because if power steering belt fails. o well. if water belt fails. u can easily get a BIG rubber band belt thing (i have) and stretch it over and drive ur water pump its just kind of easer to deal with than havening a serpentine die and being done done

 

After looking at all the options I've decided the Billet Specialties system is the best and cleanest route to go. It uses two belts, so no reverse water pump, and it's lighter, plus looks better than the factory systems.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BSP-FM2221PC/