'92 serp swap to '78
 

I am wanting to take the complete serpentine belt set up from a 1992 350 and install it on my 1978 with a 350. What will I need to do to make the 1992 alternator work in the '78? I was told it is controlled by the computer in the '92. I searched and found lots on alternator swaps, but most for LS engines or installing an internal-regulator alt on a 67-72. Thanks for any help.

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

I don't recall any special requiements when swapping into an earlier year model. Just need to get the exciter wiring connected & make sure the power wire is the right gauge for the specific alternators output.

I upgraded to heavier gauge wire for my dually because the length was increased (relocated batt) & I swapped to the highest amp alt Oreillys had in stock.

Beyond that, don't forget the reverse rotation water pump & cooling fan.

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

alt is the alt NOT computer controled . mine has been just fine for 13-14 years now .

p/s pump bolts to bracket will need to be american possible as the serp belt years pumps were metric . easy swap out tho .

otherwise it all bolts up minus 1 head bolt/stud .

get the t-stat hose neck its different as is the bend in the upper molded hose .
the water pump is reverse rotation .
the cooling fan is reverse also .

and a p/s pump pulley puller is required to pull the pump first or you can not get to the 1 hidden bolt to the block for the driver side bracket .
and E-tork sockets for the studs in the block / head face .

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

Thanks for all of the words of wisdom from real experience. I am going to dive into it soon, so it is going to have to work one way or another. Sounds simple enough. Thanks again.

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

1st one i did was on a 1979 350 block . no problems other than what i told you .

good luck if you need more help just ask .

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

Did you have to drill and tap any holes into the block to bolt the bottom of the bracket on?

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

like i said above just 1 head bolt hole not there . i left it off for 10 + years no problems . just make sure to use the brace rods to the intake and driver side exhaust manifold bolt / stud unit .

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

On a small block I did, I left it off as well.

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

not asked here but i see this thread going good with info so i will add this for the big block guys wishing to save some cash .

http://www.kwikperf.com/bbc_serp_kit.html

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

^^ This^^

Works well & is what I have on my dually. Couple of things needed tweaks but once sorted, it's been a trouble-free set-up for ~7k miles.

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

With a wiring adapter, with built in resistor, that goes from the si wiring to the cs alternator, looks like it is pretty much a plug and play. I am anxious to get started on the swap. Thanks to all for the help and info!

Re: '92 serp swap to '78
 

no adaptor or harness for me . looked at wiring diagram for plug on alt and made the swap on the wires . key off no charge power . key on she is charging .