I just got my crate motor for my 71 and it's time to put the accessories back on. I'd like to clean everything up a bit and I don't like the stock brackets especially since the alternator and AC bolt to the exhaust manifolds.

The car has the long style AC compressor and Power Steering. The new motor has 3 bolt holes in the front of both heads. I'm thinking of putting in SPAL fans so maybe a long water pump kit would work as well but AC is still an issue.

I like the looks of the ZOOP kit #8002 shown here
from their website but it doesn't look like it will work with the long style AC. I'm not thinking serpentine due to cost (I'm not sure this kit is even within budget). I've seen some posts on using later C3 alternator brackets but I'm not sure that solves the AC problem with sidemount headers. Also if I went with the shorter style AC compressor would the stock AC hoses reach and/or be able to bolt to the new compressor?

I'm looking for suggestions from everyone such as other vendor names, your solutions, other ways to think about this. Thanks in advance.

Whiplash

 

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Anyone??? Please?

 

I like the look of the Zoops system, but it's not cheap. It will probably be the way I go with my new engine next year. I would think the hoses would fit as there's not much room to move things around anyway. Opps, you did say a 71, my 79 came with the short compressor. I would expect that someone here has changed from a long to short compressor & has the answer.

 

I'm thinking I need to change to a shorter compressor but I'm not sure what changes I need to make to the AC hoses if I do.

Anyone?

 

I tried Zoops alternator bracket and the damn thing vibrated so much that it sheared #8 bolts 3 times and the adjusting arm kept loosening..... Sent it back to Jegs and replaced it with a 2 chrome stock bracket (bolted together) and it has worked fine ever since (about a year ago and 25,000 miles).....just my 2cents...

 

I love your engine bay.

I noticed you have the long AC compressor as well. Are you running headers or stock exhaust manifolds? I'm working from a bare crate motor and am working on buying all the look good work right stuff. I'd love to pick your brain on some of your selections.

For example I need advice on the following:

Plumbing - Your hoses look great. Are they braided or just covers?
Vacuum - Those Red Lines look like vacuum hoses or am I wrong.
Air Cleaner - Excellent settup on yours
Carb - You running stock Quad or something else. In need a good carb for a 400+ HP engine
Fuel Pump - After market with return line
Wire Looms - Best way to route spark wires
AC bracket - For use with headers
Alternator - I'm going to run electric fans and need to update to a 100amp alternator
Fuel Lines - How did you plumb your system

Sorry for all the questions but from the look of your engine bay you've thought a lot about this. I'm interested in vendors and lessons learned.

Thanks a bunch.

Whiplash

 

Thanks for the compliment! I really appreciate it!
1. All the hoses are braided....got them at Jegs and Summit Racing.
2. Yep those are vacuum hoses....also got them at Summit Racing. They come in different colors...If you do the same, make sure you get the heavy duty hoses (walls are thicker). I originally tried the regular vacuum lines and they colapsed, so I went with the heavy duty lines.
3. The carb is a Holley Street Avenger and the intake is a Holley Street Dominator and the fuel pump is the Holley Chrome Mechanical fuel pump. The filters are K&N Xtreme with a drop base.
4. The headers are the stock "rams horns"...after I focus on replacing the heads (either Dart or AFR), the exhaust will be next.
5. Spark plug wires. I installed a set of Taylor 8mm SST wires that were "model specific" so it fit the Vette like a hand-in-glove. I routed them according to the manual....underneath between the block and exhaust.
6. The radiator hose is a CoolFlex...again Summit Racing. They come in different lengths and can be bent to any configuration....

Right now I am pulling 325 hp with my setup. As far as the bracketing in front, I have heard good things about March Performance Pulleys. You may want to check them out at Summit Racing ( www.summitracing.com ) or Jegs (www.jegs.com). Either place you will get great service and will be well pleased.

Good Luck and again THANKS!!!