When modern engines are transplanted into vintage vehicles, the task often presents difficulties, especially in the cramped engine compartments of pre-WWII Fords and Chevrolets. The most common installation problems often concern the length and height of the engine and transmission at the firewall and the precious little space left between the engine and radiator for pulleys, fans and belts. A combination of belts is needed to operate the water pump, alternator and A/C compressor and turn the cooling fan, which draws air through the radiator.
New serpentine belt systems are now found on a number of modern engines. Serpentine belt systems offer several advantages over two-belt systems, but the greatest is space savings in front of the engine. With the obvious advantages of a serpentine system in mind, Vintage Air has designed and produced a compact and attractive aftermarket system for Ford and Chevrolet engines that looks good and performs well.
The most important element of the Vintage Air Front Runner System is the CNC-machined aluminum front plate, which is the foundation for mounting all the accessory components found on the front of a modern V-8 engine. All the hardware, including the nuts, bolts, seals and gaskets, is included in the kit. Important assembly tips include using antiseize on all the stainless steel bolts.
 The Vintage Air Front Runner...  The Vintage Air Front Runner System comes complete, including gaskets and mounting hardware. Pay close attention to the length of the nine stainless steel bolts used to mount the Stewart water pump. |  The cast-aluminum engine cover...  The cast-aluminum engine cover for the Ford 351W must be removed to install the Vintage Air serpentine system, and we'll remove the oil filter as well. But before we remove the harmonic balancer and front cover, the Vintage Air installation instructions require a preliminary measurement. |  The Front Runner System is...  The Front Runner System is designed to use the stock harmonic balancer. Even though our Ford 351W engine has a Rattler harmonic balancer, we did as instructed and measured from the front of the engine block to the harmonic balancer's mounting surface. It's critical that this dimension be 4.813 inches (4131/416 inches). If you're using a Ford Motorsports balancer, you may have to purchase a Ford Motorsports balancer spacer kit (199002-HFA) from Vintage Air. |
 After checking the dimension...  After checking the dimension of the harmonic balancer mounting surface to the front of the engine block, we removed it with the proper tools. Installing or removing the harmonic balancer with a sledgehammer is begging for trouble and will often damage the crankshaft bearings. |  As mentioned earlier, it's...  As mentioned earlier, it's necessary to remove the oil pan, water pump and front engine cover. To remove the oil pan you must raise the engine with a hoist. Be sure to first remove the engine-mount bolts. Also, remove the transmission-mount bolts to prevent damage to them when raising the engine. After removing the front engine cover, scrape any remaining gasket material from the engine block. Don't forget to remove the oil filter. |  After all the parts are removed,...  After all the parts are removed, the first step to installing the Vintage Air front plate is to install the crankshaft seal (supplied in the kit). Again, it's critical that this round metal and rubber seal be installed properly and that it is not dented or bent when hammered on. Vintage Air instructions advise: "If you don't have a gasket installation tool, take the crankshaft seal and front runner plate to your local automotive parts store to have the seal installed." |