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A STRIKING SERPENTINE SOLUTION

LS-Series Serpentine Belts Can Take on a Whole New Appeal With This Simple Upgrade

When Chevrolet introduced the LS engine, many clever and effective innovations were incorporated to simplify operations and reduce engine weight and overall dimensions. An integral part of these new technologies was a compact serpentine belt system designed from the start to lower frictional losses, which in turn improved belt strength and longevity.

In the years that followed, variations on these designs have been built and fitted to an impressive array of performance cars and trucks, including the LS2 engines used in GTOs and Cadillac CTS-Vs. These efficient V-8s also happen to be one of the most popular choices for a wide array of muscle car, street machine and street rod engine swaps. These engines are relatively lightweight, small enough to fit most projects, and, for what you get, relatively affordable. Unfortunately, LS2s and other LS derivations are not the most beautiful engines, even if they are one of the most efficient. First, there’s the issue of the individual coils above the valve covers; a simple fix is with a remote coil system. Then there’s the serpentine belt system, functional, to be sure, and as reliable as the day is long, but when you get right down to it, the parts and the system are rather unsightly for custom installations.

 

Fortunately, Route 66 Muscle Car Parts identified the problem and now offers Synister Products’ beautiful and innovative new serpentine belt system that will kick your cool meter into the redline. This belt system incorporates an impressive range of polished accessory pulleys, along with well-supported and -designed bracketry, idlers and other elements that unite in this easy-to-install system. As expected, this pulley system has been built within extremely tight tolerances, thereby reducing the opportunity for failure, and yet the beauty of these pulleys extends beyond simple function. Every component in Synister Products’ serpentine belt system was designed to combine both function and aesthetic virtues, as this is one of the most visited and visually important portions of most cars.

Stripped of the auxiliary hardware in about an hour, even in a car, the remainder of this
relatively simple installation usually takes no more than a couple of hours.

The most attractive aspect of this system is the installation. Using basic tools, most enthusiasts will be able to tackle this installation within a day or less, depending on their skill level and any problems that arise along the way. And, if you’re worried something won’t fit as planned, know that every Synister Products component is test-fit with fasteners long before it’s packaged.
Available in a variety of finishes, including polished and anodized, deep black, subtle silver and soon chrome, the beauty of Synister Products’ serpentine belt system is undeniable. And whether you’re going for full reflections or simply a detailed appearance, this upgrade is within reach and more affordable than you might think. In only a matter of hours, you can build upon the functionality of the LS2 with improved capability and style.

To provide you with a real-world understanding of just how easy the Synister Products serpentine belt system is to install, Bill Jelinek at Route 66 Muscle Car Parts captured a typical install at his shop in New Lenox, Illinois. While certainly easier to install with the engine out of the car, this operation is still straightforward and can be accomplished in a surprisingly short time.

With the original pulley removed, the crankshaft snout is lubed to prevent galling between it and the Fluidampr vibration damper when it is installed.
A high-quality unit to be sure, the Fluidampr is said to improve rotational balance across the entire rpm range, and it looks good, too.
The Fluidampr is pressed on pneumatically to ensure a secure attachment. Note that the crank-trigger sensor is left in place during this procedure.

 

Once the system is in place and double-checked, the feeling of satisfaction seeing this new twist on clever engineering in action is rewarding. Aside from improving the looks of your engine compartment, you’ll have refined the function of a critical engine system.

 

Article Sources


Route 66 Parts

815/462-7248

New Lenox, IL 60451

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