This just in: Size does matter, and smaller is better! Well, maybe not for everything, but when it comes to things cluttering your engine compartment, small and compact are good. Air conditioning takes up a fair amount of space under the dash and the hood, and Vintage Air knows this as well as anyone. They have successfully introduced their new Front Runner system that reduces all the engine-mounted A/C accessories to a tight-knit cluster that mounts to the engine block and doesn't clutter up the heads or intake, which allows them to be removed easily. The Front Runner is driven by a serpentine belt to help simplify the system and uses a spring tensioner for hassle-free use and adjustment. To help it stay in the confines of the engine's shadow, Vintage Air's new and exclusive TiteFit Line compact compressor fits in a spot not much bigger than the included polished GM 140-amp alternator. Precision-machined and hard-coated, the Front Runner's aluminum pulleys reduce weight but wear like steel, and are engineered and matched for optimum component speeds, which reduces failure and maintenance. The Front Runner was only available for the small-block Chevy at first, but rejoice, all you Blue Oval fans, it's now ready to order and mount on your small-block Ford.
Trucks don't always have, and in fact rarely do they have, much room under their shallow dashboards for extra stuff like stereos and A/C units, and most older, factory- or dealer-installed A/C units hung well below the bottom of the dash, but it was all in the name of comfort, right? Now we can have both! Vintage Air has had great success with their Gen II unit, and now has it in a mini version as well, which would work perfectly in the 1960 Ford F-100 we're close to getting on the road that also has a punched-out 351 Ford small-block in it. So follow along, and if you set aside a Saturday with your truck, you could have air conditioning in no time thanks to Vintage Air!
Here's most of what you need to outfit your small-block Ford motor with Vintage Air's new Front Runner serpentine system. The only other thing you'll need up front is a GM Gen II power steering pump, which is nice and compact-see the theme here? | 
Let's look at installing the Front Runner first. If you are putting the Front Runner on a motor that's already in your truck, you need to take all the accessories off, drain the oil, and then pull the dampener off with the appropriate puller so it doesn't get damaged. |
Using a little bit of silicone, set the new gasket for the Front Runner's impressive CNC-machined front cover/main truss and get ready to bolt it on the front of the motor. | |