BY CHUCK VRANAS IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR

s 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 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 using the unattractive factory mounting brackets requiring you to use multiple belts to support A/C, power steering, alternator, and fan.

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.

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.

2. 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.

4. Install three M8 studs x 92mm to the passenger side of the block. They should stick out 3 inches from the block (as shown).

6. Slip the provided O-ring–style gaskets into place on the water pump studs.

8. Install the rear alternator bracket over the driver side studs and secure in place with one M8x90mm socket capscrew. Tighten in place while making sure not to over torque. Follow by coating stud threads with antiseize to 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.

10. 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.

12. 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.

14. Using the four 5/16-24 x 1-inch capscrews, secure the pulley to the water pump, making sure not to over torque.

16. Coat the three ¾ x 1.75-inch stainless standoff threads with antiseize and install onto the M10 studs, leaving them finger-tight.

18. Install the pressure fitting and hard line onto the power steering pump and billet aluminum reservoir and tighten.

20. Mount the power steering pump pulley using three ¼-20 x 5/8-inch capscrews with the threads coated in blue Loctite till tight.

22. 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.

24. 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.

26. 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 then fully tighten.

28. 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.