Question about accessory drive systems

[67SSDan]

So I'm to the stage where I need to go ahead and get the accessory drive system so we can make sure everything fits... and I've got a few questions I'm hoping you guys can help me with. This is all going in a 67 Camaro and is for my LS6 engine.

1. I've seen that most all of the accessory drive systems come with an AC compressor... but then the AC units that you buy ALSO come with them? I guess you can tell them that you want the brackets but not the pump?



2. I've looked around at the March, V/A, Drive Junky, etc... and they're all really nice, but they're a little flashier then I care for. I found this: http://paceperformance.com/i-6485405...7-engines.html from another thread, is there any real reason to spend the $1500 extra dollars if you don't really care if its shiny? Also, that system seems to have no accommodation for AC, does anyone know if there is something like that out there with AC brackets and will fit in a 67 Camaro?

3. Anything else I'm not thinking of? Are any of these systems notorious for not fitting or anything like that?

Thanks for any insight you might have.

Dan

[71maroesteban]

I'm going with holleys brackets you can use either their accessories or use the oem stuff its also the most cost effective at a little over 1k for the brackets and accessories

[hifi875]

I run a c6 corvette accy on my 69. I notched my frame for the ac compressor. Works perfect

[67SSDan]

I run a c6 corvette accy on my 69. I notched my frame for the ac compressor. Works perfect

So the notching is required, I'm guessing, because it's a low AC mount type setup? The ones that have the high mount AC perhaps wouldn't have that issue?

Thanks guys!

Dan

[Schwartz Performance]

1) you can get the AC system without the compressor. I mean, vintage air even sells a serp kit with the compressor on it.

2) that's a Corvette system with no AC. Kwik Performance has inexpensive alternatives, check them out. I'm not sure what fits in a Camaro but there are dimensions out there for a lot of the drive systems.

3) not that I know about. We've installed nearly every brand and they're all decent.. Just have to find one that is aesthetically pleasing

-Dale

[Mkelcy]

So I'm to the stage where I need to go ahead and get the accessory drive system so we can make sure everything fits... and I've got a few questions I'm hoping you guys can help me with. This is all going in a 67 Camaro and is for my LS6 engine.

1. I've seen that most all of the accessory drive systems come with an AC compressor... but then the AC units that you buy ALSO come with them? I guess you can tell them that you want the brackets but not the pump?

2. I've looked around at the March, V/A, Drive Junky, etc... and they're all really nice, but they're a little flashier then I care for. I found this: http://paceperformance.com/i-6485405...7-engines.html from another thread, is there any real reason to spend the $1500 extra dollars if you don't really care if its shiny? Also, that system seems to have no accommodation for AC, does anyone know if there is something like that out there with AC brackets and will fit in a 67 Camaro?

3. Anything else I'm not thinking of? Are any of these systems notorious for not fitting or anything like that?

Thanks for any insight you might have.

Dan

I'm using the system you linked to (which is, as mentioned, a Corvette drive system) on an LS3 in a '68 Camaro with the Holley AC compressor bracket. I had the KWIK bracket on it, but the AC Compressor pulley ate the front rib of the serpentine belt. I didn't feel like shimming it out, so I swapped in the Holley bracket which is perfect.

I like that most of the drive system is made up of readily available GM parts. For my build, which emphasizes function over bling, this system was exactly what I wanted.

Note that you'll have to change the balancer on your LS6 (I didn't because it's designed for the LS3).

[67SSDan]

Thanks Dale and Mike for your comments.

Mike, can you post a link to the Holley part you have?

Dan

[Mkelcy]

Sure:

Basic bracket: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-20-134
Adapter kit: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-21-1

I also like the hardware with the Holley setup - very OEM like and rustproof.

[67SSDan]

Okay awesome! So that, plus the one I linked to, and that will have it all running off of one belt... correct? After that, you just used the compressor that came with whatever AC kit you got?

Thanks for the help guys!

Dan

[joshtownsend]

I just installed Kwik Performance brackets with VA compressor on y 68 firebird on a 6.0 it I really like it..I does make the compressor use the main belt and since its more of a plate and spacer system, you are able to run and hide wiring much easier then the full size Holley/OEM brackets..

The customer service is also top notch so far, ran into a few issues and Wayne took care of them right away..I even called him on Sunday, father day and he answered..haha You really cant best that...

Also, fyi.. all LSx blocks have the same mounting points.. Its on the spacing of the balancer that makes a difference.. this is a ls3 camaro/truck spacing..

I can get some more pics if need be later this week.. im not much of a picture taker..

[Mkelcy]

Okay awesome! So that, plus the one I linked to, and that will have it all running off of one belt... correct? After that, you just used the compressor that came with whatever AC kit you got?

Thanks for the help guys!

Dan

Assuming the AC compressor is compatible with the Holley bracket (likely it is), yes you're good to go.

[67SSDan]

Awesome, thanks for all the help guys! This little conversation saved me a lot of money (but lets be honest, it'll be spent elsewhere).

[67SSDan]

Sure:

Basic bracket: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-20-134
Adapter kit: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-21-1

I also like the hardware with the Holley setup - very OEM like and rustproof.

Can you post some pictures of what this looks like installed? We can't for the life of us figure out how this adapter and braket bolt up.

Thanks in advance!
Dan

[Mkelcy]

Sure thing.



You can just see the shim piece between the oil fill and the aluminum bracket:

[67SSDan]

Nice! We actually figured it out right after I posted that, but the tensioner pulley we have looks different and is hitting one of the bolts on the bracket that screws in to the head. It also looks different than the one you have on yours.... AND I don't remember seeing that idler pulley below the tensioner (or maybe those are reversed?). What's the story on all that. Did that come with the kit, or did you have to buy it? Did you chuck the original tensioner stuff that came with the kit, or perhaps the kit has changed? Let me see if I can post some pictures so you can see what I'm talking about.

[67SSDan]

Actually never mind, I think we've got it squared away. I think I just need to post here... and then the answer becomes obvious. LOL

Dan

[67SSDan]

Okay, quick question. It looks like what I have might be slightly different from your setup. I seem to be missing a pulley. There's the idler pulley and then there is a post right above it that looks like it should have another pulley on it (and on yours, it does). The top pulley on yours looks like the bottom pulley on mine. What did I do wrong... and where did that extra pulley come from? Was it just missing from my kit?

Here's mine:

[Mkelcy]

Take a look at the "Idler & Tensioner Installation" instructions for your Holley Bracket. They show exactly what I have on mine. It looks like you're missing an idler pulley.

[67SSDan]

Story of my build. This thing didn't come with instructions... and apparently is missing parts. Quick question though, I see that Summit sells this as well: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hly-97-153/overview/ Did you by chance buy that instead of it coming with the kit?

Dan

[Alongfortheride]

I put an ls1 out of a 2000 Camaro with speedtech motor plates in my 67 Camaro using the 2000 stock Camaro accessories. Minus the compressor. However if you notch the frame I do believe you could use all the stock stuff