Mid-Mount Makeover - Tech Project

We are always talking about what's next after you're done with your lowrider. The fact is that our cars take so long to build, mostly because of money situations, that by the time we're done, we already want to redo the vehicle. If we were to perpetually tear down our cars and redo them, constantly trying to keep up with the Joneses, our cars would never get done. Most of us opt to add or make some changes to our vehicles. Engine compartments have come a long way in the last 10 years as there are different parts that will allow you to dress up your engine to your liking without major downtime.

We caught up with this '61 Chevy Impala that had been dressed up with some chrome and billet parts under the hood. It had a decent compartment, but after enjoying the car, the owner wanted to change it up and get back into the game. We suggested changing out the old V-belt style pulleys and stock brackets. This simple upgrade is something that can be done in a few hours and it will dramatically change your engine compartment, giving you style, efficiency and performance at the same time. With so many different serpentine kits and brackets available, we went back to our friends at March Performance who told us to try their new mid-mount serpentine kit.

This engine was ready to step up to the game. All it needed were a few things to dress it up to today's standards.
This engine was ready to step up to the game. All it needed were a few things to dress it
We hooked up with March Performance, who suggested their latest mid-mount serpentine pulleys and brackets. We also used a new Proform alternator and other chrome accessories.
We hooked up with March Performance, who suggested their latest mid-mount serpentine pulle
First on the agenda was to completely strip down the engine of the old components, including the water pump. Make sure to use a catch-all pan to keep the fluids from contaminating or staining the floor.
First on the agenda was to completely strip down the engine of the old components, includi

Using an impact gun, the Proform single wire 100-amp alternator received a serpentine pulley.
Using an impact gun, the Proform single wire 100-amp alternator received a serpentine pull
Since the water pump and the old mechanical fan were out, an electric fan for cooling was going to be used.
Since the water pump and the old mechanical fan were out, an electric fan for cooling was
The crank pulley was the first thing installed. This will allow us to tell if the system and other pulleys are lining up.
The crank pulley was the first thing installed. This will allow us to tell if the system a

Since there's no mechanical pump, the nose pulley was tightened using an allen wrench. You can see the room that was left after the water pump and pulley were installed. We definitely had our 8-inch free space requirement for the mid-mount kit with about 2 inches to spare.
Since there's no mechanical pump, the nose pulley was tightened using an allen wrench. You
There will still be plenty of room for the radiator hoses once this bracket is on.
The A/C compressor needed to be dressed as it looks incomplete without a billet clutch cover.
The A/C compressor needed to be dressed as it looks incomplete without a billet clutch cov

The gaskets were glued onto the pump itself to make the install of the water pump easier and the project quicker.
The gaskets were glued onto the pump itself to make the install of the water pump easier a
Having so much room under the hood of this American classic makes it easy to line up the water pump. The water pump went on with ease and was tightened down.
Having so much room under the hood of this American classic makes it easy to line up the w
This pivot bracket was bolted to the lower part of the engine block next to the fuel pump. You can see us installing this A/C pivot bracket.
This pivot bracket was bolted to the lower part of the engine block next to the fuel pump.

The March Performance mid-mount kit incorporates a combination bracket that provides a compact and strong mounting for the alternator and air conditioning unit. The addition of an idler provides excellent belt wrap around the alternator and A/C compressor pulleys for no slippage during operation. The unit replaces your low-performance V-belts, pulleys and brackets while retaining your standard rotation water pump. March Performance boasts that it's also simple to bolt on and it eliminates belt throwing.

These kits fit most mid- and full-size cars from the early 1950s and up. Before purchasing a serpentine kit you should look at your clearance issues; you should check the water pump nose to radiator clearance. Long water pumps extend out 8 inches from the engine block, not including the clearance for mechanical or electric fans. Now follow along as we make over the engine compartment in this classic Impala using March Performance's latest serpentine kit.

The A/C compressor received the bracket that was going to keep it lined up.
Here's a top view of the A/C compressor being bolted on to the water pump.
This billet cover for the A/C clutch easily screwed in and gave the compressor a completely new look.
This billet cover for the A/C clutch easily screwed in and gave the compressor a completel

The tensioner pulley bolted in without a hitch; all it required was one bolt.
The new Tuff Stuff Performance power steering pump received the brackets that bolt onto the water pump.
The new Tuff Stuff Performance power steering pump received the brackets that bolt onto th
The pulleys were checked to make sure that they lined up before the serpentine belt went on. The power steering pulley slipped on with the pulley belt going on at the same time.
The pulleys were checked to make sure that they lined up before the serpentine belt went o

This pump went on with ease.
Here's one view of the finished serpentine kit. This new wide belt will get rid of any V-belt slippage.
Here's one view of the finished serpentine kit. This new wide belt will get rid of any V-b
With everything bolted up, it was time to start adding the fluids to the engine. We started off by filling the power steering pump.
With everything bolted up, it was time to start adding the fluids to the engine. We starte

Once the fixed brackets go on, the pulleys will line up.
With the brackets and pulleys in place, the alternator was bolted on.
This engine achieved a fresh new look in a few hours time, and was ready to be shown off or driven to the local show.
This engine achieved a fresh new look in a few hours time, and was ready to be shown off o