88 Suburban 6.2 to 6.5 Optimizer upgrade - Banks Sidewinder and Serpentine Belt?

[BeastofBourbon]

Hello -
I am putting a new GEP optimizer long block in my old bourbon. I had a 6.2 w/ Banks sidewinder that did really well for the last 200K or so. Chassis has 340K on it.
I'd like to keep and run the sidewinder.

I want to convert to the serpentine belt - and have the correct accessories, but am running into a conflict b/t the banks manifold and the vacuum pump bracket.

I have a DB4 mechanical pump and new injectors, lines, and plugs (don't want to touch any of that stuff after its in).

I'm all for ditching the vacuum pump - brakes are boosted by the power steering pump so I think its just for HVAC dampers... Anyone done this?

It is an automatic 700r4, 4wd and has AC (front and rear), and used to be white before I brought it to Oregon and the paint decided to go home to Idaho after the first rainy season. Guess that miracle primer-less paint wasn't so much.

Any advice, experiences, and / or sympathy greatly appreciated.

Rob

[arveetek]

Why not run the 6.2L style vacuum pump that is in the rear valley of the engine?

Casey

[BeastofBourbon]

Why not run the 6.2L style vacuum pump that is in the rear valley of the engine?

Casey

That's plan C. But if I can get rid of it, I'd prefer that. Also considering a small electric vacuum pump, if I can't figure out a cable system for the 4 dampers in the HVAC.
At this point this is fairly low priority. Solving the turbo and install is #1 and I want to do that "right". I can live with a hacked dash and I pretty much run defrost 100% of the time.
While it does have AC its never worked. I'd like to get it working and am making provisions, but again, low priority. Engine first, driver second!

[More Power]

I'd verify whether the HVAC needs vacuum... If not, I'd ditch the vacuum pump. You can swap in a newer cruise control module and cable assy from a 90's body style gas truck/Suburban to get cruise control functional. Just get the electrical harness pigtail along with the cruise module to make it easier to wire. It'll just need a digital signal from the vehicle speed sensor, power and ground + turn signal stalk switch control.