View Single Post
  #11  
Old 09-02-2012, 10:40 AM
V8TV's Avatar
V8TV V8TV is offline
Lateral-g Supporting Vendor
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,889
Thanks: 8
Thanked 22 Times in 15 Posts
Default

Lou did a nice job of simplifying the front accessory drive challenge a little, but the concept was to keep it as simple as possible. We never said simple = easy, but we're happy with the results.

The LSA belt system and front of engine are very different from the LS9, so we chose to work with what we had rather than change everything and try to adapt the LS9 stuff as others have done.

Also, the LSA power steering pump is unlike most common Type II GM pumps. The LSA uses a plastic reservoir. We didn't think we could safely add a port to the plastic reservoir and expect it to stand up to harsh use over time without issues. We really liked the fabricated Jones piece that provides the additional ports for returns.






However, you cannot simply swap the LSA reservoir for the Jones piece, which fits Corvette pumps. You'll notice in the pics that the LSA pump has no "slide" mounts for the retaining clips and tabs that hold the Jones and other GM type plastic reservoirs. In addition, the LSA pump has threaded mounts to attach it to the bracket, not openings for bolts to pass-through like most others. Next, the outlet has a 90-degree fitting pressed into the side. The fitting isn't hard to work around, but the missing tabs and threaded bosses were interesting.

We ended up using a Corvette style pump, which shares the large diameter shaft with the LSA. We simply added Heli-Coil inserts to the Corvette pump and mounted the Jones reservoir to it as designed. Clearance is tight to the heads, so the correct length bolt is crucial as not to hit the head or the pulley on the front. The whole assembly bolted up to the stock LSA bracket at that point.

These little projects take some time, but are fun to do when you figure everything out. We're fortunate to have a crew that likes to find solutions that would pass for OE.
__________________
Kevin Oeste
V8 Speed and Resto Shop
V8TV
Muscle Car Of The Week
V8 Radio Podcast

All about us:
https://www.v8speedshop.com

Reply With Quote