I have a 1984 F-150, that I am getting ready to install a 5 liter HO from a 1983 Mustang. The engine is freshly rebuilt with several extras. My question is that the engine from the mustang has a serpentine belt set up and my engine presently in the truck is v-belt drive. Can I use the compressor in the truck by just changing out the pulleys. I know the bracket set up is different but the compressors are just a little different. I am looking for a few more horsepower every where I can. I have been told that with the serpentine setup and the other modifications that have been made I should be at the 300 Hp mark. If the serpentine setup works out I may install electric fans to pick up a few more Hp. Anyone every made this swap and if so can you think of any surprises that are in store for me.

Thanks for any advise!
JJH

 

The biggest issue with swapping to a serpentine system is changing the water pump to a reverse flow pump since the serpentine belt will spin the water pump in the opposite direction of the v-belt. I recommend using PermaCool 14" electric fans (2 of them). They will fill up the radiator and give you the most cfm for the least current draw.