With the almost insane popularity of GM's LS-based engines, many companies have stepped forward to offer front drive systems. While they perform roughly the same task of transferring rotational energy to the various pumps and accessories, they vary greatly in terms of both looks and packaging. This really helps the builder get a system that won't interfere with other aspects of the car.
This time we decided to try out Concept One's Victory Series drive system on the 5.3L LS engine we built for project Track Rat. We needed something fairly compact and, since we were going to run A/C, we needed the compressor to be in an out-of-the-way spot. In terms of looks, we wanted a system that was clean and understated. On paper the Concept One serpentine system looked perfect. It came with everything from the damper to a very trick power steering pump with an integrated aluminum mini reservoir. The big question was: "Would it all fit as advertised?" To find out we packed up our tools and headed over to Best Of Show Coach Works to do an installation dry run.
Here's our starting point-the...
Here's our starting point-the Track Rat's 5.3L all-aluminum mill. The great thing about LS engines is if a pulley system fits one, it will fit them all. The Fluidampr SFI-approved damper was installed back when we did the dyno pulls, but it is also included in the Concept One kit.
The Concept One kit (PN LSV01AB)...
The Concept One kit (PN LSV01AB) came nicely packaged and ready to go. In addition to this sweet black anodizing, the kit also comes in polished, natural-machined, and clear anodized.
First up was installing the...
First up was installing the Tuff Stuff water pump with the ARP fasteners we had leftover from our LS engine accessory kit.
Next up was the machined billet...
Next up was the machined billet water neck. Later on we noticed that you could run a factory water neck if needed for hose routing, but this one sure looks better.
Another bracket was then attached...
Another bracket was then attached to the driver-side cylinder head.
This small aluminum ring needed...
This small aluminum ring needed to go on the damper before the pulley.