SEMA 2018: Holley's Mid-Mount Accessory Drive System

With people continually finding new and exciting ways to stuff bigger and badder engine swaps into project cars, it is no surprise that products will appear in the aftermarket to accommodate them. Such is the case for Holley’s new Mid-Mount Accessory Drive System. First debuted at the Holley’s LS Fest we were eager to get a closer look at it. Well, our prayers were answered at SEMA 2018 when Holley’s own Blane Burnett gave us an inside look at many of its newest products.

Holley’s New Mid-Mount Accessory Drive System.

The first thing we asked about was its new Mid-Mount Accessory Drive System for LS and LT engines. The kit is available in satin, and black, but probably the most interesting thing about the system is the way it mounts to the front of the engine. Instead of having multiple mounting locations as pretty much, all stock systems do — all of the accessories, including the A/C compressor, alternator, and power steering pump, bolt directly to the water pump. This makes installation much easier, especially when we consider the applications this system is seemingly tailor-made for. This kit is made to accommodate tight spaces, after all.

Blane also told us, “Another interesting thing to consider is – you might think everything connects here, and that is going to be a nightmare if the water pump ever fails. Well, easy solution there, if you just spin the water pump pulley and line it up with the supplied bolts, you can remove the whole system after taking the drive belt off – change your impeller, and your back off to the races again.”

To sweeten the pot even further, the Front Drive System is available for not only LS applications, but LT engines as well. For those of you who are considering an LS or LT swap in the near future, this is definitely a system you should be looking at if you are interested in saving space, and simplifying your system overall. Another thing we should mention about the Front Drive System is the coolant ports. Holley has located some optional ports in an alternate location to accommodate a swap that has a particularly tight fit.

The system includes provisions for multiple coolant line locations to accommodate a number of applications.

There are also two different versions of the kit. The first being the standard version, and the second being a premium version with a dressed up appearance. The premium Front Drive System includes pulley covers and an ATI damper as well. While it is not an inexpensive system, the price tag is well-justified considering all you get for the money. A sharp looking piece for any engine bay – it solves many issues those who have dealt with engine-swap woes know all too well.