We recently had the opportunity to work with Kent Waters of Kent Waters Originals who was in the process of fitting the coveted ZR-1 Corvette LS9 engine in a 1969 Camaro.  Now, this is no ordinary Camaro.  In addition to the supercharged LS9 powerplant, it sports a Detroit Speed sub-frame, massive Brembo brakes with carbon fiber rotors, Spek gauges and carbon fiber galore.  If it sounds more like a race car than a street car, well, it should.  This one is being built for Rick Hendrick of NASCAR fame.

The scope of the project was to keep as much of the factory accessories as possible, since Rick and GM go way back.  Unfortunately, there was no way the factory AC compressor was going in between those frame rails, and only a sadist would cut into that crossmember.  So Kent asked us to see if there was any way we could get AC on this cool ride.

We decided on using a Sanden SD-7 compressor because of its size and it has proven to be a rock solid aftermarket performer.  Bracketry would be required to solidly mount the compressor as close to the block as possible while clearing the crossmember and motor mount, mount a tensioner for tensioning the compressor / alternator belt, and also incorporate an idler to route the belt around the waterpump. Phew. After two or three months of measuring, designing, machining, fitting, and prototyping, we were able to pry that thing in there and with only a slight modification to the motor mount. 

On this car, we went with a black anodized finish on all the brackets and pulleys and cast finishes for the AC compressor and tensioner in keeping with the factory appearance, but of course, shiny is always an option.

No doubt, this is a tight fit, but if you’re wanting to peg the cool factor, it doesn’t get much better than the LS9.  This compressor mounting kit requires a specific combination of subframe and motor mounts, but if you want more info, just give us a call.

Thanks to Kent and all his guys at Kent Waters Originals.

An aftermarket part is any part for a vehicle that is not made directly from the car’s maker. Luckily, if the parts are direct replacement parts, they will not void your car’s warranty. A number of companies these days are making parts designed to function the same, or in some cases even better than the original. Historically, aftermarket car parts were hard to find; but today, you can easily find and purchase an aftermarket part or accessory you need – whether it’s a big ticket item, new or used parts, small or inexpensive items or even accessories. Today, there’s no questioning the popularity of aftermarket auto parts in the US automotive industry.  

• Custom Designed: Since after-market car parts are customized, and not mass-produced an increase in peak engine horsepower can be achieved.
• Durable: Aftermarket parts are often available in longer lasting stainless steel, whereas many OEM exhaust components are made from mild steel and have a limited lifespan.
• More variety: There are hundreds of companies that make aftermarket parts. Some specialize in specific parts, and other companies make almost any part you can think of. More variety means greater selection and a wider range of prices.
• Better availability: You can walk into any gas station, auto parts store or local mechanic, and they’re bound to have a part that fits your car. This gives you more options on where to take your car for service.
• Better quality: more knowledge / focus on a specific type of product gives more understanding and better resources to develop better performance. The aftermarket companies reverse-engineer the part, and work the weaknesses out.
• Less expensive: Aftermarket parts are usually less expensive than OEM parts; how much you save varies by brand. Shop around to find the best price and to get an idea of how much that part usually costs. If the price of a part seems too good to be true, ask questions about its quality. Gas mileage can be increased in a well-designed aftermarket system which saves money.
• Exact Specifications: Designing a specific part for a specific make, model and year gives EXACT specs and reduces the “universal fit” worries.

All in all, aftermarket parts are a great alternative to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Over the years, crash tests have been performed by the critics of aftermarket auto parts and they have shown that these parts perform no differently than OEM parts. When it comes to safety, it has also been found that crash parts, whether aftermarket or OEM, do not affect the safety of a vehicle. Therefore, if you can get aftermarket parts that are just as safe as OEM parts, less expensive and better performing, then the solution to your needs has never been more available.

There are many vehicles on the road today that boast chrome finishes. Many may not be aware of the benefits that come along with chrome plating for their vehicles auto parts, but there are many reasons to do so. Because chrome plating is one of the most popular finishes for metallic parts, it is used for so many applications.  It is most commonly used in the automotive industry where it is used for trim, accessories and parts that are under the hood.

Benefits of Chrome

When it comes to the appearance of your ride, chrome parts are often used to sleek it up a bit. No other method can customize and enhance the look of your ride like chrome plating can. It is not solely used for decoration however. There are other benefits, including:

• Protection. The protective coating of the chrome makes the technique of chrome plating extremely useful for automobile parts, especially those under the hood. It is resistant to corrosion and is able to withstand environmental extremes.  Not to mention, it is easy to take care of and doesn’t oxidize. Chrome is one of the most durable finishes available today, which adds to its longevity and protection.
• Reusable. After auto parts have been chrome plated, they can still be reused.  This reduces waste which is extremely beneficial to the environment. Because of these qualities, it has become an ideal finish for automobile parts. In addition, if the components happen to get damaged or worn, then they can be easily re-plated.
• Cost-effective. Chrome plating has become the easy and less expensive way to make your automotive parts look great. Because you can simply re-plate them instead of buying a whole new part, it is going to save you a lot of money down the road. Its popularity stems from the fact that it is so durable and versatile- no wonder it’s favored among car enthusiasts.

How it works

Chrome plating is the application of very hard, slick, corrosion and abrasion resistant metal. It involves smearing a thin layer of chromium on to a copper, iron or other base metal to give the parts under your hood a protective and decorative finish. Chromium itself is a reactive metal that reacts readily with the oxygen in the air. Unlike iron, which forms a very unstable oxide that flakes and falls apart, chromium oxide is hard and stable and forms a protective layer which thwarts the underlying metal from decomposing.

With the loss of over 5.5 million manufacturing jobs in the United States over the last decade, our country has seen the loss of over 33 million jobs.  This fact alone should encourage the American consumer to want to purchase American made goods.  Making products in the USA not only provide jobs for our citizens, but it also offers many benefits to the manufacturers and buyers involved. The following are reasons why made in the USA is better for everyone involved.

1. In many countries, foreign labor standards tolerate unsafe worker conditions. Buying American made products means that you are not only supporting American manufacturers, but also American workers, safe working conditions, and child labor laws.
2. Once jobs go abroad, they almost never come back. The American economy needs help. Therefore, when you buy goods made in the USA, you help keep the American economy growing.
3. Environmental considerations in the USA are much higher than in many other countries. Many brands sold here are produced in countries using hazardous, severely polluting procedures. However, when you purchase an American-made product, you will know that you’re helping out the environment and keeping the world cleaner for your children.
4. By purchasing products made in the United States, you are supporting the payment of an honest day’s wages for an honest day’s work. Unfortunately, many other countries either don’t have minimum wage restrictions, or the actual minimum wage is insanely low.
5. Helping grow American independence is extremely important. The United States’ lack of ability to manufacture multiple products is unsound. By seeking out goods made in America, you help nurture American independence.
6. A little debt is not a bad thing, but the huge US trade deficit leads to instability and unmaintainable borrowing from other countries. This kind of debt is not good for you and it is not good for America and our future.
7. Product safety is compromised with many foreign made products. The standards in other countries tend to be lower than in the USA. By purchasing goods made in the US, you can ensure that they were manufactured under strict laws and safety standards.
8. “Fair and free trade” is undermined by purchasing from abroad. Ultimately, no Western nation can compete with a country that is willing to abuse and contaminate its own people just so they can have better prices. Buying American made products shows that you are insisting on a higher standard.
9. Political conflict is always a potential occurrence between countries and when you choose imported goods in favor of American made products, the money shifts to countries not friendly to the USA or democracy. That could make access to vital goods impacted by political conflict extremely hard for the US to get.
10. The population is growing and future generations of US citizens are likely to find it hard to get jobs as the US manufacturing ability fades. In order to keep friends, family and neighbors earning a living wage, it’s important to buy American made products. It’s the best solution for everyone involved.

People who revel in performance vehicles recognize that absolutely nothing is more important than putting in the highest quality part in your vehicle. That’s why, at Concept One we offer pulley systems that are hand constructed to perfection and made in the USA. Concept One is an innovative company that is recognized for crafting pulleys that provide unique styling and superior reliability. For those who are searching for refined durability, competitive pricing and elegant detailing, Concept One is the place for you.

Safety and Performance

Our pulleys instill a sense of confidence, because they are crafted with the utmost care and safety. At Concept One, we also guarantee supreme relaxation and satisfaction when driving around in any vehicle fashioned with our innovative pulleys. We follow safety guidelines exactly and stand by everything we build to guarantee quality performance.

Exceptional Customer Service

Concept One is committed to providing only the highest quality materials along with unparalleled customer service.  All of our pulleys were meticulously constructed using the best quality and skill in the industry. Our friendly, professional staff have years of experiences in the auto industry and will go above and beyond to help you choose a pulley that works best for you.

Customized and Affordable

In order to make your vehicle stand out in a crowd, it’s vital to have parts that fit your engine and your budget. At Concept One, exceeding your expectations are our number 1 priority and build a product that leaves you completely satisfied. Each pulley kit that we manufacture is designed to help you find the right fit for your project.

Timely Service

At Concept One, we pride ourselves on being able to find you solutions in a timely fashion. First, we take the vision you have for your dream car and help you choose the best set of pulleys that complement that vision. We know that getting your quality set of pulleys quickly is important, so we have systems in place that allow us to build most of our kits in only 2 to 5 days. Once constructed to your exact specifications, we ship them directly to your door via UPS, our trusted partner.

When showing off your ride, it’s important to have everything perfect if you want to wow spectators and gain bragging rights.  That’s why you should choose Concept One to supply you with the quality pulleys that you and your ride deserve.

Your vehicle is probably one of the biggest investments you have made, so keeping it maintained is extremely important. Part of the maintenance process includes keeping your engine and complementary equipment in tip-top shape. For most vehicles manufactured in the last decade, they are equipped with serpentine belts instead of the once popular V-style belts. These serpentine belts are a part of your pulley system, which helps the engine function properly. If you are serious about your vehicle, it’s crucial that you understand the best way to maintain your new pulleys in order to prolong the life of your engine and be able to flaunt your masterpiece. 

With the influx of serpentine belt use, pulleys became easier to maintain. It eliminated the number of belts needed on the front of the engine and tightening became easier since technicians no longer needed to guess at how much tightening the belt needed.  Most serpentine belts are designed to be wider and thinner with thin ribs running along the belt and can also drive more accessories due to their additional length.

Although there is less maintenance and costs associated with serpentine belts, some maintenance is still required considering the belt will get used frequently and eventually need to be replaced. In time, the tension pulley will also lose their spring/rubber tension or the bearing that spins the pulley dries up. If the tension pulley dries up, it will seize and shred the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is responsible for controlling the water pump, so if the engine isn’t shut down right away then it can over heat which brings on a whole new set of issues. In order to keep yourself from ending up on the side of the road here are some other maintenance tips:

• A typical serpentine belt should last about 50,000 miles, but you should inspect your belt frequently and if there are cracks in the thin ribs along the belt then it’s time to replace the belt. It’s also important to examine the edges of your serpentine belts to make sure the edges aren’t damaged. If they are torn or frayed, then it’s time to replace the belt because the damaged edge will eventually wrap itself around the pulley and can cause major problems.
• Tension pulleys should last at least 75,000 miles if not more. However, if you feel your pulley vibrating up and down excessively, then it may be time to check the spring/ rubber bushing to make sure it isn’t failing.
• In addition, if you hear a chirping sound coming from the engine it may be a sign that the bearings are starting to get dry. You should inspect it immediately by: turning off the engine, loosening the belt, and manually spinning the pulley while listening to the sound of the bearing. If it’s in good shape it should spin freely without any resistance and noise. If you hear a dry or rough sound from the pulley then it is time to replace it.

Examining your serpentine belt is quick and easy. All you have to do is simply look at it; therefore, it is a good idea to inspect the serpentine belt during every service break. Get yourself in the habit of checking it every 25,000 miles. In the end, the additional effort will pay off and you will have a happy, healthy vehicle to show for it.

Pulleys are the “engine” that are used to turn the water pump, alternator and/or A/C. They are extremely important for maintaining the engine and that’s why having a good set of pulleys is important to the overall function of your ride.  A finished set of pulleys that boasts impressive gains for not a lot of money are hard to come by, but if you know the 3 keys to identifying a quality set of pulleys, then you will end up with the ultimate in strength, durability and quality.

First, choosing a set of quality pulleys will depend upon the type of vehicle that you drive and the benefits that you desire. For any vehicle that will be driven on the street, a performance pulley kit that reduces the vehicle’s charging ability may not be a wise choice. For an off-road or competition vehicle, that is typically not a factor. For off-road vehicles, the amount of speed reduced at the engine accessory level can often be a horsepower-increasing function. 

Strength & Durability

You will often find lightweight, stamped-steel pulleys in kits that are inexpensive, so beware of buying pulleys that are cheap. Although they are fine for a low-performance vehicle, you will want to purchase a set of pulleys that are made from cast or forged aluminum for any high-performance vehicle that will see more than occasional use. These performance pulley kit pieces will often give your ride less wobble and will also withstand higher engine speeds without breaking apart or exploding under stress.

Belt Protection

A good quality set of pulleys will usually be designed to use a high torque drive or HTD belt. The HTD belt and performance pulley system use a rubber belt with deep-round ribs that fit inside of deep recessions in the pulley. This design has been proven to withstand much greater power without slipping and also performs well at high engine speeds. The design of the HTD belt requires less retention force to keep it on the pulleys where it is intended to be.

Appearance

In addition to offering better performance, pulley sets should also be designed to be pleasing to the eye as well. In order to get the total performance package, the pulley should look just as good as it feels, with polished aluminum finishes or bright and shiny colors. At Concept One Pulleys, we feature a full range of parts and accessories, as well as performance upgrade options and customization kits designed specifically for your needs. We also offer an excellent performance pulley selection, with many high-quality, affordable options to choose from. Don’t let your ride be anything less than exceptional, contact one of our representatives today and learn more about we can set your up with your very own quality set of pulleys.

When making changes/upgrades to you ride, it’s very important to know what you’re getting in to. There are a number of necessary steps that you can take to make your project much easier on multiple fronts. No one wants to be over budget or up to their elbows with complications. By taking some time, before your purchase, you can save in the long run.

Be on Budget
It only takes one small mistake or misstep to blow your whole budget. By doing your due diligence, reading up on all the parts/tools you’ll need and making a few phone calls you can find out what the project will really entail. Extra parts, special wiring and unique mount brackets are the perfect way to frustrate even the most seasoned car junkie. If you’re not sure what all is needed, just ask. There are a number of technicians that are waiting to answer your questions: seek out a blog, find a forum or call the manufacturer directly. With digital cameras and cell phones readily available it’s easier than ever to even send them a picture to help give you an even more accurate answer.

Don’t waste Time
Some jobs can be done by “one man”, but others require help. When you start on your next project, be sure to stop and think about the steps along the way that will require assistance. There is nothing worse than having to put off completion of a crucial step in the process because you can’t find one of your buddies to come over and help out. Make sure that you know when you’ll need help and go ahead and coordinate as much at one time as possible.

Projects are meant to be fun and are designed to produce a better performing vehicle when done. You shouldn’t feel burned out, tapped for cash or frustrated when they’re done. Sure, you’ll have some bumps along the way, but proper planning can lead to a much happier end result.

The first step in solving your problem is admitting that you have a problem. As is typical for most men, we never admit we have a problem. It’s no different when you’re working on your car: when problems arise, you can often do more harm than good by trying to “fix” it yourself. Lack of knowledge and expertise are every man’s stumbling block, but don’t let pride get in the way of your progress.

At Concept One, we take great pride in building parts (here in the USA) for engines of all kinds. While most manufacturers a lot of knowledge on making things work under the hood, they can’t necessarily package all of that in a box and ship with products. When we sell a kit, we drop it in the mail to a customer waiting to upgrade their engine parts. What happens all too often is we get a call from a frustrated do-it-yourselfer who has broken something. This isn’t to imply that people can’t install our kits, but just to illustrate that some setups are too difficult to complete and require specialized skills.

No manufacturer ever wants it to get to a point where things break and your blood pressure boils. There is a point where you can do more harm than good by trying to proceed into territory that is unfamiliar to you. When this time comes around, and during some project it will, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. This may entail calling your local installer, contacting the manufacturer, reaching out to a message board online or asking a buddy for help.

However you seek assistance, don’t be afraid to do so. The purpose of any project is to complete it, on time, on task and on budget.