March Performance Eliminates An LS Swap Headache

133022_Engine_Web

The LS swap is a great alternative for any hot rodder.

In the last five to seven years, swapping an LS engine into a classic car has become commonplace. Heck, even the Ford guys want to go fast by doing an LS swap into their Mustangs. But, one area that can be a real headache when attempting the swap, is the front accessory drive.

20065_1

Introducing the Chevy LS Style Track Kit. A separate bracket allows the option of power steering or not, two idlers guarantee “no slip” operation, and it is precision CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum for strength and perfect fit with both short and long water pumps.

The stock accessory drive is designed to fit in particular late-model vehicles, and depending on which accessories you wish to keep, more often than not, clearance can be a problem — especially around the A/C compressor. In the stock configuration, it’s mounted low on the passenger’s side of the engine, and usually contacts the frame rail or the upper A-arm when used in an LS swap scenario.

Let’s not forget to mention the power steering pump and alternator on the other side of the engine. When installing an LS engine in a classic car, the factory steering gearbox gets in the way. So, unless you have a custom chassis designed for clearance, no matter how you look at it, the stock accessory drive can cause all sorts of issues.

When considering an LS swap, you need to keep in mind that each accessory drive on the Gen III and IV Ls engine is based on two components: the water pump and the harmonic damper. LS engines come with two water pump options, long and short. The crankshaft pulley is part of the damper, and there are three balancer designs used on LS engines. The Corvette damper is the shortest, the F-Body (also GTO) is ¾-inch longer than the Corvette, and the 4.8-. 5.3-, and 6.0-liter truck engine is 1 1/2 inches longer than the Corvette unit.

new_chrome_ls1_1_1

So now that you have an outline of different LS drive accessories, what are you supposed to do for a drive system for the engine you’re swapping into your classic? That’s where March Performance can offer some assistance. When it comes to installing an LS or any engine for that matter into your classic or street rod, the March system not only alleviates the fitment issues, but looks a heck of a lot better than the stock set up.

narrow-ls-1

The Narrow-Mount kit is for the guys with a compact area to work with.

What’s more, is you have choices about what kit and what parts you need to include. The March kits come in multiple variations to fit your budget and application.

For you budget-minded guys, that are not planning to install air conditioning, the Custom Series Pro-Track gives you that option. If you are looking for the coolest of the cool, the Style Track is unbelievably cool. So now you know you have choices.

Untitled-1

If you have a plan to install an LS mill in your ride, now you no longer need to endure the headache of trying to decide how to run your engine’s accessories, March Performance has eliminated that headache for you.

Article Sources

About the author

Randy Bolig

Randy Bolig has been working on cars and has been involved in the hobby ever since he bought his first car when he was only 14 years old. His passion for performance got him noticed by many locals, and he began helping them modify their vehicles.
Read My Articles

Hardcore Chevys in your Inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Chevy Hardcore, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

We'll send you the most interesting Chevy Hardcore articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


streetmusclemag
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
dragzine
Drag Racing
enginelabs
Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • streetmusclemag Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • enginelabs Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading