Whether you’re doing an engine swap or just plain need to clean up the engine bay, there’s nothing like a classy mounting system to make an ordinary accessory stand out. Take our ’72 Project Nova, for instance; it was in desperate need of a newer, more modern mounting solution for the power steering pump and reservoir.
Initially, as we were putting the car together, we grabbed a simple universal stamped-steel bracket system to get us by. And it worked. However, as we continued to modify the engine with upgrades, even adding a supercharger with additional pulleys, the brackets began to weaken. It was difficult to line up the belts, which consisted of three separate brackets, and it was also challenging to assemble. It seemed as though with each removal and install, the belts repositioned again, causing twice the work. Our final install of the old power steering brackets had the power steering belt running directly into the water pump belts.
To satisfy our front accessories and remedy the belt issues, we turned to Summit Racing and its Correct-Align polished aluminum power steering bracket (PN SUM-340100) for small-blocks. This small, yet potent, billet bracket provides a solid mounting point for the power steering pump and offers front-to-back adjustability up to 3/4 inch to compensate for short or long water pumps, dampers, and machining tolerances. The best part is that it’ll bolt directly to the block, which makes the install no more than threading a couple of the included fasteners.
While our small-block was out for a new top end, it served as the perfect time to add our new mounting system from Summit. Using minimal tools, we had the new bracket mounted and ready for the belt in less than an hour. We not only achieved our goal for a more efficient bracket, but simplified the look of the engine bay, too.
1. Prior to installing the...
1. Prior to installing the new kit, we removed the old brackets, along with the power steering pump. Right out of the box we began to install the billet bracket to the front of the engine block. Using an Allen wrench, we installed the top 3/8x1 1/2-inch bolt first.
2. Then, we installed the...
2. Then, we installed the other supplied 3/8x11/2-inch bolt into the recessed hole and fastened that with the Allen wrench.
3. Next, to set the adjustable...
3. Next, to set the adjustable portion of the bracket in line with the rest of the pulleys, we mocked up the pump and marked its location. We locked the bracket in place using the two 5/16x1-inch bolts.
4. Two 3/8x1-inch bolts,...
4. Two 3/8x1-inch bolts, one in front and one in back, are required to hold the pump in place. We installed those and snugged them with a 9/16-inch wrench.
5. The full functionality...
5. The full functionality of this kit rests on its adjustability. Summit provides a 6-inch-long adjusting bar to allow the user to dial in as much—or as little—distance for the belt as necessary. Note: For late-model–designed pump castings, one of the Heim ends has an oversized hole to accommodate the use of 10mm metric bolts.
6. To fasten the adjusting...
6. To fasten the adjusting bar to the pump, we used the supplied 3/8x11/4-inch bolt with the washer and added the small, 1/4-inch spacer behind the pulley. We left it only handtight until we had everything bolted up.
7. Since we were using a...
7. Since we were using a short water pump, the 3/8x31/2-inch bolt from the kit was used to replace the lower water pump bolt. To prevent any leaks from the lower water pump bolt, we applied some ARP thread sealer to it. Note: Long water pumps use the 3/8x4-inch bolt.
8. With the 13/8-inch spacer...
8. With the 13/8-inch spacer added to the correct bolt, we threaded the whole set into the pump. Using a 9/16-inch wrench, we secured that end of the adjusting bar.
9. Once the engine was back...
9. Once the engine was back into the car, we could then reinstall the power steering belt and adjust the Heim joints for final fitment. This required threading the adjuster bar until the desired tension on the belt was achieved. Then, we set the small end nuts tight to complete the install.