Aftermarket accessory drive - need opinions

[Nativefx]

Well we are mocking up my Thompson built LS3 and the GM/Holley brackets using the Corvette accessory drive in my stock sub-frame. It looks like I may have to sell the GM/Holley set up and go with an aftermarket acc drive setup that is more compact as we are concerned I don't have enough space between the PS pulley and the Ridetech upper control arm, mainly due to the number of shims that may be necessary to get the correct camber.

Here is a picture of how little room is left, even after I had already decided I needed to go with a smaller pulley and got one from TurnOne that is 5 3/4" I believe.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/PS20pulley20pic201_zpsaz1vzlvn-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/PS20pulley20pic202_zpswg1tlnlp-1.jpg

I'd really like to get some peoples recommendations on some of these aftermarket acc drive setups? I like the diamond cut Wegner and it looks like the belt wrap on the PS pulley is better, but I don't know how much of a difference that makes? Concept One is also another nice looking option, but I would rather hear from people that have some experience with any manufacturers.

Now that things are coming together, along with the fact I may end up with a nice acc drive to dress things up, I may also look to get ride of the brake booster setup for my power brakes. I know and have heard a number of people using the Hydro boost option, so I was hoping to get some feedback on whether it is actually worth it to change? Any other options for power brakes that would help clean up the engine bay and look much nicer once the firewall is smoothed and engine bay is painted?

[Nativefx]

This is with some of the work on smoothing the firewall. Once I upgrade to an aftermarket acc drive, I'm worried the 9" dual diaphram brake booster setup will really stand out. With everything this project has snow balled into I figure I'd like to make sure I'm happy with the outcome. I'd also like to make sure the braking with the Baer 6P setup all around isn't being utilized fully, hence the thought about going with a hydra boost option, or another option I haven't thought of yet?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/Engine20bay20with20brake20booster_zpsjl3-1.jpg

[dhutton]

I think adding caster will improve the clearance. I am running the same setup on the Camaro I built for my wife. It is close but I think it will be ok.

Have you aligned the caster and camber?

Don

[Nativefx]

No we haven't done an actual camber and caster alignment. Its currently at the body shop and they wanted to check clearances for a few different things. We only adjusted roughly for camber to get an idea on how many shims were going to be necessary. Unfortunately stock subs are all different and some don't require a lot of shims, but I think mine will. It may be worth doing an alignment at least since we have already mounted the engine and tranny.

Dhutton, so you see a lot of movement if you rev up the engive? I'm not sure how much space is actually needed so we don't run in to issues long term.

I still may end up going with an aftermarket setup as my project has continued to evolve!!

[thumper877]

I went with drive junky it has the extra wrap on the power steering pump so it doesn't slip but it's a little pricey but it's like jewelry and it's very compact

[Nativefx]

I went with drive junky it has the extra wrap on the power steering pump so it doesn't slip but it's a little pricey but it's like jewelry and it's very compact

Is this the setup from Ron Sutton? I'm considering giving him a call to pick his brain about whats important or reasonable regarding the PS wrap on the pulley and also see if he has suggestions about my brake set-up. Is you motor installed and running? Any issues or things you wish you would have questioned before buying?

[TheJDMan]

I have a March Performance accessory drive and have no complaints.

http://marchperformance.com/chevy/chevy-ls.html

[thumper877]

I went with drive junky it has the extra wrap on the power steering pump so it doesn't slip but it's a little pricey but it's like jewelry and it's very compact

Is this the setup from Ron Sutton? I'm considering giving him a call to pick his brain about whats important or reasonable regarding the PS wrap on the pulley and also see if he has suggestions about my brake set-up. Is you motor installed and running? Any issues or things you wish you would have questioned before buying? yes motor is installed should have it running next week yes it's the ron Sutton setup. It was a great kit easy install great directions well thought out and I got a special finish the brushed look to match all my trim and wheels

[dhutton]

No we haven't done an actual camber and caster alignment. Its currently at the body shop and they wanted to check clearances for a few different things. We only adjusted roughly for camber to get an idea on how many shims were going to be necessary. Unfortunately stock subs are all different and some don't require a lot of shims, but I think mine will. It may be worth doing an alignment at least since we have already mounted the engine and tranny.

Dhutton, so you see a lot of movement if you rev up the engive? I'm not sure how much space is actually needed so we don't run in to issues long term.

I still may end up going with an aftermarket setup as my project has continued to evolve!!

I could be confused but when you add caster you will remove shims at the front and add them at the rear. This will increase the clearance. I think you are ok unless you really want to buy a new accessory drive... :)

Wife's car is running and no contact when revving but no road miles yet.

Don

[Schwartz Performance]

We use Wegner on most of our LS's. I highly recommend them. They're less expensive than most too.
We are a dealer for them too btw.

-Dale

[Nativefx]

I could be confused but when you add caster you will remove shims at the front and add them at the rear. This will increase the clearance. I think you are ok unless you really want to buy a new accessory drive... :)

Wife's car is running and no contact when revving but no road miles yet.

Don

It might be an idea for us to see if we can at least get the camber and caster close, and then we'll know if there is enough space or not. After seeing how my project has taken on a life of its own, it is intriguing to consider what it might look like with a nicer acc drive setup under the hood. I'm sure I could probably sell the GM/Holley set up if needed. I just have a hard time spending more money, again, for something I researched to death in the beginning!

[Nativefx]

We use Wegner on most of our LS's. I highly recommend them. They're less expensive than most too.
We are a dealer for them too btw.

-Dale

Hi Dale, the black diamond cut Wegner was one that came to mind right away. Can you give me a quote for that with A/C? Does their kit include their own water pump? thanks

[Nativefx]

I have a March Performance accessory drive and have no complaints.

http://marchperformance.com/chevy/chevy-ls.html

Which March system do you have Steve? Are you running an A/C system?

[Schwartz Performance]

Yeah I'll message you tomorrow.

It comes with a Stewart pump I think- just like ConceptOne. Uses a bolt on pulley.

[Yelcamino]

I went with the Wegner system because it has an extra idler pulley for a full wrap on the PS pulley (clearly visible in the pics), it uses an internal fan alternator, and it's serious eye candy!

Here are a couple of pics during the LS swap...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s263.photobucket.com/user/hlumpp/media/El%20Camino/Yelcamino%20V2/20151211_182707_zps9vqdhgcj.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s263.photobucket.com/user/hlumpp/media/El%20Camino/Yelcamino%20V2/20160303_205323_zpsftqfdmoi.jpg.html)

[Nativefx]

I went with the Wegner system because it has an extra idler pulley for a full wrap on the PS pulley (clearly visible in the pics), it uses an internal fan alternator, and it's serious eye candy!

Here are a couple of pics during the LS swap...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s263.photobucket.com/user/hlumpp/media/El%20Camino/Yelcamino%20V2/20151211_182707_zps9vqdhgcj.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s263.photobucket.com/user/hlumpp/media/El%20Camino/Yelcamino%20V2/20160303_205323_zpsftqfdmoi.jpg.html)

Thats a sweet looking setup for sure! Are you using the hydro boost as well with your Baer remaster? If so, how do you like it and how much road time do you have on the car? I'm considering getting rid of my brake booster, but I just done't know if its worth the extra cost and effort.

[Nativefx]

I could be confused but when you add caster you will remove shims at the front and add them at the rear. This will increase the clearance. I think you are ok unless you really want to buy a new accessory drive... :)

Wife's car is running and no contact when revving but no road miles yet.

Don

Now that I think about it, I though the caster was set by determining which aluminum slugs you placed in the UCA? Taking out shims from the front would adjust toe, right?

[dhutton]

Now that I think about it, I though the caster was set by determining which aluminum slugs you placed in the UCA? Taking out shims from the front would adjust toe, right?

You can align caster both ways. Slugs let you avoid a large stack of shims on the rear mount. Toe is set with the adjusting sleeves on the tie rods.

Don

[Nativefx]

Yeah I'll message you tomorrow.

It comes with a Stewart pump I think- just like ConceptOne. Uses a bolt on pulley.

Sent you a PM about the Wegner setup.

[Yelcamino]

Thats a sweet looking setup for sure! Are you using the hydro boost as well with your Baer remaster? If so, how do you like it and how much road time do you have on the car? I'm considering getting rid of my brake booster, but I just done't know if its worth the extra cost and effort.

The hydro boost (which has been on my car for over 14 years) works just fine with the Baer Remaster. So far I have about 3000 miles on the new LS and Baer brakes and all is great!

[Twin_Turbo]

If you want to sell your holley setup, can you shoot me an email or PM (prefer email) ???

[Nativefx]

If you want to sell your holley setup, can you shoot me an email or PM (prefer email) ???

Sure, send me your email address and I'll get in contact with you. thanks