Vintage Air - Front Runner Serpentine System - LS Engine

1. This is an LS1 out of a 1999 Pontiac Firehawk. When the engine was purchased from the junkyard, all of the factory accessories had already been removed. This is how Tre5 Customs in Peoria, Arizona, took delivery of the ugly and dirty engine.

1. This is an LS1 out of a 1999 Pontiac Firehawk. When the engine was purchased from the j

Bench racing the other day with a hot rod friend of mine, he said, "The problem with all these LS engine swaps everywhere is, the engine is just so ugly." I couldn't believe my ears. How could an engine that makes more than 400 hp, returns 24 mpg, and is so easy to drive fast be ugly? Sure, plastic is prominent with the intake, coil covers, and idler pulleys, but when they're dressed up, we think they look pretty darn good. Case in point, this junkyard engine that originally came in a limited edition '99 Pontiac Firehawk, and was rated at 327 hp and 345 lb-ft of torque. We picked up the low-mileage LS engine for less than $700 with the wiring harness and computer. Swapping the engine into a hot rod–inspired classic C10, Tre5 Customs in Peoria, Arizona, couldn't stand to look at the dull, cast-aluminum front accessory drive. A custom-built truck needed a high-end-looking engine compartment, and one of the quickest and easiest ways to transform any engine bay is by swapping the pulley system.

Searching the web for a compact, all-inclusive pulley setup, we contacted Vintage Air for one of its Front Runner serpentine systems. Once the box arrived, we were impressed with the brand-name parts included and the detail-oriented accessories that would ensure we did the job right. Included in the LS Front Runner kit was a new, compact Sanden A/C compressor, new Delphi-Saginaw power steering pump with reservoir, water pump, 140-amp alternator, Dayco tensioner and belt, billet aluminum mounting bracket, ATI balancer, and ARP polished stainless hardware. The before and after photos are incredible. If your truck's engine, whether an LS, small- or big-block needs a new look, check out the install of Vintage Air's Front Runner system.

2. Here is everything that comes with the Front Runner setup. The kit comes with every piece of hardware needed to complete the install. Different accessories are available, so make sure you do your research. We elected to go with a new water pump, polished alternator, polished Sanden A/C compressor, Delphi-Saginaw power steering pump, ATI harmonic balancer, Dayco tensioner and polished brackets. The Front Runner is also available in an anodized black finish.
2. Here is everything that comes with the Front Runner setup. The kit comes with every pie
3. Our first step was the removal of the stock parts, including the water pump, tensioner, and harmonic balancer. A special gear puller is required to remove the balancer, and to save time, we'll fast-forward to the new ATI balancer being bolted on with the 24mm bolt. We were sure to apply some antiseize to the surface before installing the new balancer.
3. Our first step was the removal of the stock parts, including the water pump, tensioner,
4. The new crank pulley was then bolted to the balancer using 12-point Allen-head ARP bolts.
4. The new crank pulley was then bolted to the balancer using 12-point Allen-head ARP bolt

5. The first polished bracket to be mounted was for the power steering on the driver's side of the motor.
5. The first polished bracket to be mounted was for the power steering on the driver's sid
6. Supplied with Front Runner kit were studs that install in place of the factory water pump bolts. New gaskets are also supplied and installed over the new studs.
6. Supplied with Front Runner kit were studs that install in place of the factory water pu
7. The new, factory-style water pump is slid into place over the new studs. There is a small clearance issue when installing the water pump.
7. The new, factory-style water pump is slid into place over the new studs. There is a sma

8. The main bracket is rather large.
9. It is secured to the engine with the new studs coming through the water pump as well as a couple other bolts.
9. It is secured to the engine with the new studs coming through the water pump as well a
10. Checking for fitment tolerances, the factory thermostat and thermostat housing were then installed onto the new water pump, and the polished water pump pulley bolted in place.
10. Checking for fitment tolerances, the factory thermostat and thermostat housing were th

11. Moving back to the power steering pump bracket, the power steering pump was bolted in place.
11. Moving back to the power steering pump bracket, the power steering pump was bolted in
12. A nice bonus feature to the Vintage Air system is the inclusion of the power steering pump reservoir and hoses.
12. A nice bonus feature to the Vintage Air system is the inclusion of the power steering
13. Mounting to the large, main bracket, the polished 140-amp alternator was bolted in place.
13. Mounting to the large, main bracket, the polished 140-amp alternator was bolted in pla

14. Polished and very compact, the new Sanden A/C compressor was installed.
15. With a 15mm 12-point socket, the tensioner was secured, and then a 1/2-inch ratchet was used to relieve tension and the new serpentine belt was routed.
15. With a 15mm 12-point socket, the tensioner was secured, and then a 1/2-inch ratchet wa
16. A billet tensioner cover was then installed using a polished Allen screw.