Small Block Ford Accessory Drive: The Complete March Performance Guide

The Small Block Ford — whether it's a 289, 302, or 351 Windsor — is one of the most popular engines in the restomod and hot rod world. It's light, powerful, and responds extremely well to upgrades. And when it comes to the front accessory drive, March Performance has been the go-to choice for builders who want show-quality looks with race-proven reliability.

Here's everything you need to know about choosing and installing a March Performance accessory drive system on your Small Block Ford.

Know Your Engine First

Before browsing March Performance's Small Block Ford lineup, nail down exactly what you're working with:

• Displacement — 289, 302, or 351 Windsor
• Damper bolt pattern — early 4-bolt vs late 4-bolt vs 6-bolt. This is critical for crank pulley selection
• Water pump rotation — standard (clockwise) vs reverse rotation. Many early Fords and some performance builds run reverse-rotation water pumps
• Accessory list — power steering, A/C, alternator type and position
• Application — Mustang, Falcon, Bronco, hot rod, etc. Some vehicles have chassis-specific clearance considerations

Serpentine or V-Belt?

March Performance offers both for the Small Block Ford — and the right choice depends on your build goals.

Serpentine Systems

March's SBF all-inclusive serpentine systems replace the factory V-belt setup with a modern serpentine belt. Benefits include:

• Eliminates belt throwing — no more V-belts jumping off under hard acceleration
• Cleaner, more modern look in the engine bay
• Available in clear powdercoat, black, chrome, and onyx finishes on our all-inclusive kits

V-Belt Pulley and Bracket Kits

For builders who want to retain the traditional look or are building a period-correct car, March's SBF pulley and bracket kits are the answer. Machined from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard coat surface treatment — harder than steel — these pulleys look incredible and last.

Finish Options

One of March Performance's biggest differentiators is finish quality. Our clear powder coat means no polishing required — ever. The coating is guaranteed not to chip or yellow, even in the harsh under-hood environment. We also offer black powdercoat, chrome, and onyx for builders who want a specific look.

Performance Ratio Pulleys

March Performance's underdrive pulley kits for the Small Block Ford reduce the speed at which accessories are driven, reclaiming horsepower that would otherwise be spent turning the alternator, power steering pump, and water pump faster than necessary. Some applications see gains of up to 15 horsepower — real, measurable power recovered at the wheels.

Browse the full SBF pulleys section for underdrive and standard ratio options.

Installation Tips

• Verify damper bolt pattern before ordering.
• Check water pump rotation before removing the old system
• Use a torque wrench on all aluminum components — see torque specs in your kit instructions
• Apply blue thread locker on bracket fasteners
• Do a final belt alignment check with a straight edge before first startup

For tech support, call 1.888.729.9070. Browse the complete Small Block Ford lineup at marchperformance.com.