Javier 94 Z28

Hi all, I should have done this long ago since I only ever drive this car when it is top down weather, but what is the best option for an A/C delete bypass pulley these days? Took the Camaro to work yesterday and it wouldn't start in the evening. It acted like it didn't have enough juice so I tried jumping it to no avail. I heard some bearing noise recently and assumed the alternator went out. So I took the battery home and charged it up overnight, it was down to around 30%. Took the battery back at 5am figuring if I could get it started, I could at least get it home to work on it later. Well, the battery managed to start the engine (although it was very hard starting with me having to give it some gas to get going) and smoke started pouring out of the hood. I quickly turned it off and ran to the hood to see the belt trashed and charred. So when the auto parts shops opened, I went and bought the only alternator in town and started the swap in my work's parking lot. When I got the old one out, the pulley still spun, although the bearings sounded horrible. Since it still spun, I figured that wouldn't explain the belt so I reached in and tried the other pulleys. The A/C compressor pulley did not move at all, so I assume it seized and that's why the belt died.

TL: DR A/C compressor is toast and I need to do the A/C delete but can't seem to find the 1LE GM part anywhere and have heard horror stories on the Dorman one. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

Chimera96

go with the dorman one....its just a pully

Javier 94 Z28

Sure, but when you have to drill out the holes so the bolts will fit, have to shim the pulley to be aligned, and still have the risk of the weak aluminum arm snapping like a twig with the slightest pressure, it goes beyond "its just a pulley". Hence my question wondering if there is a product that's actually designed for my car. When it comes down to it, I'll probably end up using the dorman, but crossing my fingers someone knows of a better option.

Chimera96

FWIW I have a dorman ac delete pully on a LT1 I converted to carb and used the LT 1 accessory bracket in a first gen camaro...no issue. It was a plug and play install. no drilling or shims needed...YMMV

Javier 94 Z28

Thanks, I'm glad to hear that, makes me feel a little better about the part! I'll be ordering one soon. My daughter's fifth birthday is in 3 weeks and all she's asked for is a ride in the Camaro without her older sister along haha.

TobyZ28

HI Javier, old threat but just curious if you went with the Dorman and ran into any challenges/issues requiring modification to the part - if it all went well and you have the exact PN that would be of use too! Considering going with the AC delete as the car is under surgery for other reasons until some parts arrive .

Injuneer

Might want to try an email. He hasn't signed in in two years,

TobyZ28

Thanks Fred, Email sent. I've found a part number after a bit more research (Dorman #34209) and it looks like the threads need to be drilled out as well as a spacer needs to be used between the pulley and bracket. I've seen some posts about washers being added to the bolts/bracket instead. Would be great if Javier could confirm!

Injuneer

Hawk’s Motorsports sells what appears to be the a Dorman part. Maybe call or email to ask them to clarify. They appear to have a small salvage operation and sell both new and used parts. Might be aware of the Dorman issues, if any.

https://www.hawksmotorsports.com/93-...te-pulley-1le/

Javier 94 Z28

Hey Toby, sorry for the late reply, I'm on vacation right now. I bought the model number you listed above and it went in easily enough. I didn't need any spacers and the bolts went through just fine. I don't drive the car often, it's meant for entertainment now, but it still seems to be holding up fine. Let me know if you have any questions!