Abstract: Described embodiments include a reconfigurable belt tensioner that can be used to add, remove, and/or reposition peripheral accessories of an engine installation, for example, in an automobile or another vehicle. The tensioner has a housing, an arm with an axle, and a spring installed in the housing. The axle is inserted into and fastened to the housing. The arm rotates around the axle. When the arm is rotated, the spring provides the force that tends to return the arm and the housing to the original position. The tensioner can be reconfigured by repositioning the spring relative to the housing and/or the arm, changing the angle between the housing and the arm. The tensioner may be used, for example, on an LS-based GM small-block engine, and allow operation with and without the air conditioning compressor or other accessories.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a reconfigurable belt tensioner that can be used to add, remove, and/or reposition peripheral accessories of an engine installation, for example, in an automobile or another vehicle. The tensioner has a housing, an arm with an axle, and a spring installed in the housing. The axle is inserted into and fastened to the housing. The arm rotates around the axle. When the arm is rotated, the spring provides the force that tends to return the arm and the housing to the original position. The tensioner can be reconfigured by repositioning the spring relative to the housing and/or the arm, changing the angle between the housing and the arm. The tensioner may be used, for example, on an LS-based GM small-block engine, and allow operation with and without the air conditioning compressor or other accessories.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an aftermarket solenoid for a starting system of a vehicle. The solenoid includes a relay. The solenoid also includes an insulating cap with first and second control terminals, and first and second starter circuit terminals protruding through the cap. A control voltage between the first and second control terminals determines the resistance between the first and second starter circuit terminals, essentially creating a short between the starter circuit terminals in response to energizing the relay. Each of the terminals may he a threaded stud. The cap, the first control terminal, the second control terminal, the first starter circuit terminal, and the second starter circuit terminals are arranged so that the solenoid is pluggable into an original manufacturer wiring harness of the vehicle, avoiding the need for makeshift adjustments and modifications of various connections and/or of the original wiring harness of the vehicle.