Although quite convenient and time saving, package deals can turn on one just as quickly. For instance, how many of us have set out to buy a simple tool, but the only way you can get that tool is to buy a packaged set with four other tools you already own? We've seen it a million times. When it comes to buying aftermarket billet engine brackets, it's the same deal. Buying just an alternator bracket or power steering bracket isn't really in the cards. But through the marvels of modern science-more like two diehard gearheads-you can now purchase that one billet item.
Mike Peterman and CJ Ballejos are two dyed-in-the-wool gearheads who saw a way to squeeze into the aftermarket billet engine bracketry game by offering up a fresh concept. They only wanted one or two brackets, but they were forced to buy full systems just to get what they were after. With an empty void and a lightbulb atop their dome, they started their own company and begin manufacturing their own brackets. And just like that, CnC Customs was born.
When Mike and CJ began CnC Customs, they based their business off of one key concept: every one of their parts can be sold separately. However, variety is the spice of life, and full kits can be purchased as well. In the grand scheme of things, that means one can splurge for the entire kit with all the brackets at once, or they can go Johnny Cash style and build their engine bracket assembly one piece at a time. After a few years of R&D, CnC now has a lineup of engine brackets for small-block Ford and Chevy applications. They are also in the process of designing parts for big-block motors and other niche motors. Included in that lineup are billet power steering brackets, alternator brackets, and A/C brackets. They also have billet fuel pump block-offs, stainless hardware kits, universal throttle kickdowns, and more.
CnC designed the brackets to be simple. That not only means the brackets are a straightforward install, but they're based off a simple yet elegant design that will complement any engine setup. All of CnC Customs' brackets are CnC-machined from 6061 T-6 aluminum and highly polished. The brackets are designed to work with long water pumps and basic power steering pumps, alternators, and Sanden 708 and 508 A/C compressors. CnC also offers conversion kits for metric-style pumps.
For our install, CnC equipped a Chevy small-block with their lineup of products and stainless hardware. The install is cut and dry and doesn't require any more than basic hand tools and common knowledge.
The new CnC Customs billet...
The new CnC Customs billet brackets and throttle kickdown are easy on the eyes and simple to install. Each part is individually packaged since they can all be bought separately, but CnC does offer packaged deals to get all the pieces at once.
Before CnC got started on...
Before CnC got started on the brackets, they installed these Edelbrock Performer aluminum heads by following the simple instructions provided. Although not necessary for the bracket install, the new aluminum heads do make for a nice canvas and a little more power.
Mike and CJ at CnC began by...
Mike and CJ at CnC began by installing the alternator bracket, which mounts on the motor's passenger side. The entire alternator bracket is based around two main bracket arms; the smaller arm is installed first. The first step is to slide the Allen head bolts into the two holes on the arm.
Once the bolts are through...
Once the bolts are through the arm, CnC slid the two small spacers onto the bolts.
The Allen head bolts take...
The Allen head bolts take the place of the water pump bolts; therefore, the next step was to remove the water pump bolts. Mike applied Teflon sealant to the new bolts to ensure a leakproof install,...
...then installed the smaller...
...then installed the smaller bracket to the water pump.
The other bracket arm mounts...
The other bracket arm mounts to the front of the water pump using two smaller bolts. The CnC brackets are counterbored for a clean and sleek appearance.
Instead of busting out the...
Instead of busting out the pry bar to get tension on the alternator belt, CnC designed the kit with an adjuster arm. They also designed this custom bolt, which bolts the arm to the alternator, to fit snug inside the heim joint's eye for a durable and firm install.
The heim joints were screwed...
The heim joints were screwed out just slightly, then CJ bolted the arm to the alternator.
With the arm attached to the...
With the arm attached to the alternator, CnC slid the alternator between the arms and bolted it in place.
Lastly, Mike and CJ bolted...
Lastly, Mike and CJ bolted the other end of the adjuster arm to the water pump.
With the alternator installed,...
With the alternator installed, CnC took a hop, skip, and a jump to the other side of the motor, where they began installing the power steering bracket, which installs in a similar fashion to the alternator.
The first step to installing...
The first step to installing the power steering bracket is to assemble it using the two large spacers and Allen head bolts.
Next, CnC slid the two remaining...
Next, CnC slid the two remaining hex head bolts into the brackets. Installed over the hex head bolts are two washers. These allow the power steering pump to swivel freely when adjusting tension on the belt.
Before installing the bracket...
Before installing the bracket on the block, CnC screwed the bracket into the power steering pump.
Next up, CnC bolted the entire...
Next up, CnC bolted the entire setup to the block. Just like the alternator bracket, the power steering bracket uses a tensioner arm. One side of the tensioner arm bolts to the pump, and the other end bolts to the bottom of the water pump. Once again, CnC used a little bit of Teflon for the water pump bolt.
The last leg of the install...
The last leg of the install is the throttle kickdown bracket. The bracket bolts to the base of the carburetor. The CnC Customs throttle kickdown brackets are designed to work with most popular carburetors. Mike started off by removing the left-side carburetor studs that bolt the carburetor to the manifold.
Then the kickdown adjuster...
Then the kickdown adjuster brackets were installed on the throttle bracket plate. These two brackets can be slid either forward or backward to apply the adequate tension needed on the throttle cable.
CnC then put the assembled...
CnC then put the assembled bracket in place and bolted the bracket to the carburetor and manifold using the hardware provided.
Mike and CJ then hooked up...
Mike and CJ then hooked up the throttle cable to the new CnC bracket. After that, it was time to step back and watch the motor shine.