1965 Chevy Corvette - The Serpentine Solution

This is the automatic belt-tensioner bracket, which also has a machinedarea for the spacers. There is adequate clearance for the large 8-inchbalancer on both sides. The only concern with the crankshaft pulley isframe clearance when the engine is installed. According to Vintage Air,the crankshaft pulley may be close. We used a torch and a small hammerto place a minor indentation in the frame where the pulley would be.After installation it appeared the indentation was a luxury, not anecessity.

This is the Front Runner installed with all the shiny pieces. Note thebelt tensioner and how close the components are. The alternator does notextend beyond the valve covers or cylinder heads. The Front Runnerallows plenty of clearance for a lot of intake manifolds. Everything isin perfect alignment and requires no shimming.

Vintage Air supplies the power-steering-pump pulley, but not thepower-steering pump. The pump and reservoir are from Detroit Speed andEngineering. We chose the pump with the custom reservoir. It fits nicelybetween the frame and other engine components. The new pump is availablein iron or aluminum. DSE also has remote reservoirs and P/S hose kitsavailable.

That's a nice fit. The close proximity of engine and accessory piecesrequires a custom-built hose and tube assembly. The tube for thepressure hose is close between the reservoir and pulley. You can see thetube nut going into the pump next to the belt below the alternator.Tightening the line isn't too difficult because of the openings designedinto the pulley.

The A/C lines exit below the compressor, creating a clean appearance. Wewill install the Vintage Air A/C unit in the '65 in a future issue, sothe fittings will be crimped onto the Vintage Air-supplied hoses later.Things got a little close in the area below the compressor due to anadded oil cooler and heater hose, but it all fit without muchaggravation.