LS Accessory Drive Kit – High Function with Show Quality Finish

By Chuck Vranas Images by the Author

As hot rodders, we’re driven to embrace factory offerings while always seeking to increase performance and add plenty of cool features to our rides. With today’s engineering and technology, the aftermarket has raised the bar in every aspect of our hobby, from platform upgrades to suspension dynamics and increased braking capabilities. One of the most important parts maintaining the heartbeat of your LS is the management system of how the accessories are driven off the front of the engine. There are a numerous options available if you’re looking to update your existing system, take on an engine swap, or address a full rebuild. Gone are the days of feeling stuck with the unattractive factory mounting brackets that require multiple belts to support the A/C, power steering, alternator, and fan.

ls harmonic balancer installation ati super damper
Eddie Motorsports includes everything to install the S-Drive Serpentine Pulley Kit, starting with an SFI-approved, ATI Performance Super Damper and harmonic balancer. Begin assembly by mounting the outer shell to the hub using the supplied flathead screws with a Torx T40 Plus bit. Be sure to coat the screw threads with Loctite blue and torque to recommended specs.

We’re here to tell you that the engineering and design team at Eddie Motorsports have upped the ante with the development of their exclusive S-Drive 6-Rib Serpentine Pulley Kits for Chevy LS, big-, and small-block engines. Utilizing cutting-edge technology fused with meticulous attention to detail, they’ve produced an excellent system for the LS.

On a recent visit to Chris Cerce Customs (CCC) in Taunton, Massachusetts, we met with shop owner Chris Cerce who was preparing to outfit a fresh Chevrolet Performance LS3 long-block packed with plenty of factory performance. With Eddie Motorsports offering a number of different combinations for the LS, he selected their Elite Series in a bright polished finish, complete with upgraded polished billet aluminum power steering reservoir and Powermaster 220-amp alternator. For a truly custom look, the systems are available in seven finishes to suit your build style.

anti-sieze compound on accessory drive mounting studs
To prepare the M8 studs for installation to the block, first coat the threads with antiseize.

When crafting the USA-made kits, Eddie Motorsports raises the bar, starting with precision CNC-machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum brackets and pulleys as well as all stainless steel fasteners. Top-quality components round out each system from manufacturers, including Tuff Stuff/PRW aluminum water pump, Sanden-style compact A/C compressor, GM Type II power steering pump, Powermaster alternator, and SFI-approved ATI Racing balancer. A step-by-step guide helps to make installation a snap.

Let’s follow along as the CCC team brings the LS to the next level.

Check out this story in our digital edition here.

 

engine damper installation tool
Using a damper installation tool, Chris Cerce of Chris Cerce Customs, press-fit the damper and hub assembly to the crankshaft after coating it with antiseize. Follow by installing a new OEM crank bolt with correlating washers and torque to manufacturer’s specs.
measuring component spacing during eddie motorsports ls accessory drive system installation with a yellow Milwaukee tape measure
Install three M8 studs x 92mm to the passenger side of the block. They should stick out 3 inches from the block (as shown).
main stud installation on driver side of ls engine block
Continue by installing two M8 studs x 118mm on the driver side of the block, each sticking out 4 inches from the block.
installing bolts into an Eddie Motorsports LS accessory drive system bracket attached to a gold painted LS engine block with a black serpentine belt visible
Slip the provided O-ring–style gaskets into place on the water pump studs.
Drive System installation showing a polished water pump
Carefully slide the new water pump into place over the studs.
tightening bolt on Eddie Motorsports LS accessory drive system bracket
Install the rear alternator bracket over the driver-side studs and secure it in place with one M8x90mm socket cap screw. Tighten in place while making sure not to overtorque. Follow by coating the stud threads with antiseize, then install two ¾ x 1.41 stainless standoffs on the driver-side studs. At this time, do not fully tighten. The end of the standoff with the hex closest to it faces away from the block.
Eddie Motorsports LS accessory drive system bracket spacers
After coating the threads with antiseize, install three ¾ x 2.55 stainless standoffs to the passenger side studs. Do not fully tighten at this time.
ls thermostat housing
Prepare the thermostat housing by first installing the thermostat, noting that it’s imperative to place the locating tab on the thermostat in the approximate index notch on the housing so that the air bleed valve is facing “up” as close to the 12 o’clock position as possible to avoid any possible overheating.
thermostat gets installed in the thermostat housing
Secure the thermostat housing to the water pump using two M x 16mm socket capscrews.
Eddie Motorsports LS accessory drive ac bracket installation
To attach the A/C rear compressor bracket to the passenger side of the block, use two M10 x 20mm capscrews, coating the threads with antiseize. Tighten bolts till snug.
blue threadlocker being applied to bolt during Eddie Motorsports LS accessory drive system installation on engine components
To prepare capscrews for the water pump pulley installation, first apply a coating of Loctite blue to the threads.
polished water pump pulley installation
Using the four 5/16-24 x 1-inch cap screws, secure the pulley to the water pump, ensuring the hardware is not over-torqued.
hand tightening bolt on gold LS engine with Eddie Motorsports accessory drive bracket and pulley system
After coating the threads of the three M10 x 40mm setscrews with blue Loctite, install them into the lower driver side of the block, leaving ½ inch of threads sticking out.
power steering bump bracket installation
Coat the three ¾ x 1.75-inch stainless standoff threads with antiseize and install onto the M10 studs, leaving them finger-tight.
billet power steering bracket
With threads coated in Loctite blue, install the power steering bracket using three M10 x 20mm capscrews, leaving them finger tight. Follow by fully tightening the standoffs, then the capscrews.
assemble the power steering pump prior to installation
Install the pressure fitting and hard line onto the power steering pump and billet aluminum reservoir and tighten.
gm type 2 power steering pump on ls engine
Using two 5/16-18 x 3-inch socket capscrews with lock washers, install the pump onto the power steering bracket. Be sure not to overtighten.
020 tightening bolts on an Eddie Motorsports LS accessory drive system with polished pulleys and power steering pump mounted on a green engine block
Using two 5/16-18 x 3-inch socket capscrews with lock washers, install the pump onto the power steering bracket.
cs-130 alternator bracket installation
Mount the alternator bracket to the previously installed standoffs using two M8 x 25mm capscrews with antiseize and AN washers. Leave finger tight.
Eddie Motorsports LS accessory drive system onto a yellow engine block with silver pulleys and brackets using a wrench
Fit the alternator using one M10 x 80mm socket screw with AN washer through the bottom bolthole and one M8 x 25mm socket screw with AN washer through the top hole and fully tighten. Next, tighten the two stainless standoffs and follow with tightening the two M8 x 25mm capscrews.
ems billet ls crank pulley
Coat the threads of three 3/8-16 x 1-¼-inch capscrews with blue Loctite. Add Belleville washers to each and install crank pulley till fully tightened, making sure not to over torque.
LS accessory drive system ac bracket installation
Secure the A/C compressor bracket in place by first coating the threads of three M8 x 25mm capscrews with antiseize. Add washers and leave finger tight for now.
ac compressor installation
Install A/C compressor using two M8 x 25mm cap bolts and leave finger tight. Follow with one ½-inch shoulder bolt and AN washer through lower rear compressor mounting tab and tighten. Finally, tighten all remaining hardware till secure.
attach the ac clutch cover onto the ac compressor
Installing the compressor cover to the compressor pulley, first coat the threads of three ¼-20 x ¾-inch socket capscrews with Loctite blue and then fully tighten.
ls accessory drive system with pulleys onto a gold colored engine block featuring a gates racing belt
Route the six-groove serpentine belt onto the pulleys, installing over the crank pulley last. With a ½-inch drive breaker bar, rotate the tensioner down to finish fitting the belt around the crank pulley. Finally, install the polished aluminum tensioner cover using two 1-32 x ¾-inch socket head flat head screws.
ls engine with eddie motorsports accessory drive system featuring polished pulleys and brackets showcasing serpentine belt routing
The completed installation of the Eddie Motorsports Elite S-Drive Six-Rib pulley system brings your LS to the next level with cutting-edge design as well as dazzling looks and performance, making it a standout in any crowd.

 

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