Answering the buyer’s search, this guide helps you pick the best small block Chevy serpentine kits for reliability, ease of installation, and power transfer. It highlights five top options, explains who each kit suits best, and compares features like pulleys, brackets, and included components. Ideal buyers include DIY enthusiasts, hot-rodders, and restomod projects seeking a tidy, all-in-one serpentine drive system for SBC engines. A concise buying table below summarizes the five selections for quick reference.
| Product | Brand | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serpentine Kit for Small Block Chevy High Mount | CVF Racing | High-performance street builds | 8-rib pulleys for grip, billet aluminum, complete kit |
| Small Block Chevy All Inclusive Serpentine Kit for SBC Engines | CVF Racing | Quick, turnkey installations | Includes belt, pulleys, bracket, tensioner, AC, alternator, PS |
| SBC Serpentine Pulley Conversion Kit | CVF Racing | Remote reservoir setups | All-inclusive with water pump, AC, PS, and more |
| Chevy Small Bock Serpentine Conversion Kit | CVF Racing | Polished billet aesthetics | 8-rib pulleys, billet brackets, complete installation |
| Small Block Chevy Serpentine Kit All Inclusive | CVF Racing | Ease of installation | Belts, pulley system, Saginaw-style power steering pump |
Serpentine Kit for Small Block Chevy High Mount
Best for: performance-focused street builds that demand strong belt grip. This kit uses eight-rib pulleys to minimize slippage and maximize belt contact. It includes polished billet aluminum pulleys and CNC-machined brackets, with a USA-made build and lifetime warranty. Belts and accessories are not included, which allows buyers to source compatible components separately. Suitable for high-mendace SBC setups that require a complete, ready-to-install system with premium hardware. Caution: Confirm compatibility with your water pump and accessory layout before ordering.
Small Block Chevy All Inclusive Serpentine Kit
Best for: builders seeking a turnkey installation with every major component included. This kit packages the belt, pulleys, bracket, tensioner, AC compressor, alternator, and power steering pump with a remote reservoir. Uses GM Type 2 PS pump and includes top-tier tech support with a lifetime warranty from CVF Racing. Great for projects aiming for a clean install and minimal aftermarket sourcing. Limitation: Remote reservoir PS setup may require extra hoses or mounting considerations for some engine bays.
SBC Serpentine Pulley Conversion Kit
Best for: enthusiasts who want a complete, USA-made billet aluminum system with comprehensive components. This all-inclusive setup covers pulleys, brackets, belt, water pump, AC compressor, and power steering pump. It emphasizes billet construction for enhanced aesthetics and durability. Choose this if you want aggressive styling and a robust drive system. Caution: Ensure your engine bay has space for additional components and the belt routing matches the included layout.
Chevy Small Bock Serpentine Conversion Kit
Best for: buyers seeking polished billet pulleys and brackets with reliable, eight-rib grip. This CVF Racing kit includes all pulleys, brackets, and hardware for a full installation, with belts and accessories excluded. It’s well-suited for show-quality engine bays where aesthetic finish matters as much as function. Limitation: Belts and accessories must be sourced separately, which can add planning time for compatibility checks.
Small Block Chevy Serpentine Kit All Inclusive
Best for: builders who want convenience and compatibility with Saginaw-style power steering pumps. This all-inclusive kit includes belts, pulleys, bracket, tensioner, AC compressor, and a Saginaw-style PS pump, enabling easier bleeding and line reuse. It’s a strong choice for classic SBC builds that value a traditional PS layout with updated drive components. Caution: Verify pump compatibility if your current system uses a different PS pump configuration.
Buying Guide
- What is included? Look for kits that match your needs—full inclusivity (pulleys, brackets, belts, tensioner, AC, PS, etc.) reduce add-on sourcing time, while selective kits allow customization.
- Pulley design and belt count An 8-rib system generally improves grip and reduces slippage at higher RPMs, but confirm it fits your water pump and radiator clearances.
- Power steering and AC options Decide whether you need a remote reservoir PS pump or a direct-bleed configuration. Check compatibility with your existing lines and mounting points.
- Materials and finish Billet aluminum pulleys and polished brackets resist corrosion and improve engine bay aesthetics, but may come at a higher price and weight.
- Warranty and support A lifetime warranty and responsive tech support can save time on installation questions and future maintenance.
- Installation difficulty All-inclusive kits are easier for beginners; advanced setups may require custom routing or drilling, especially in tight engine bays.
FAQ
- Do these kits fit all SBC years? Kits are designed for common SBC displacements (283–400 cubic inches). Always verify exact engine harness and accessory compatibility before ordering.
- Are belts included in all kits? Some kits include belts, while others require belt sourcing separately. Check the product features carefully.
- Is a remote reservoir PS pump necessary? Remote reservoirs can simplify bleeding and clearance in certain layouts, but are not mandatory for all builds.
- Will I need additional mounting hardware? Most complete kits include hardware, but some installations may need extra bolts or spacers depending on your engine bay.
- Can I reuse my existing power steering pump? Some all-inclusive kits use a remote reservoir PS pump design that may not be compatible with older PS configurations. Confirm compatibility if reusing parts.
- What is the advantage of an 8-rib system? Eight ribs provide greater belt contact, reducing slip and improving power transfer under high RPM or heavy accessory loads.