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I have installed a Summit alternator bracket on my new engine (which is obviously not yet in the car). Do you think I will have any hood clearance issues on my 79 using this bracket?
Measure the distance from the rear of the distributor to the alternator belt for a reference length.....then measure from the firewall where the distributor would nearly touch---forward using the reference length....lay a straight-edge across the front fender inner edges where the hood would rest at that point....this would be where the alternator would fit under the straightedge.
Now measure from the engine mount bolt holes in the block up vertically to the top of the alternator for a reference height......then measure from the chassis engine mounts upward using the reference height as your upper limit......is that height higher than the straightedge? If so, the alternator needs to be lowered.
Measure the distance from the rear of the distributor to the alternator belt for a reference length.....then measure from the firewall where the distributor would nearly touch---forward using the reference length....lay a straight-edge across the front fender inner edges where the hood would rest at that point....this would be where the alternator would fit under the straightedge.
Now measure from the engine mount bolt holes in the block up vertically to the top of the alternator for a reference height......then measure from the chassis engine mounts upward using the reference height as your upper limit......is that height higher than the straightedge? If so, the alternator needs to be lowered.
Thanks doorgunner. I will take some measurements and see how I go. I am getting an L88 style scoop glassed onto my bonnet but that is mainly for the air gap manifold (and the looks) so I don't think that will give me any extra clearance at the alternator. Thought that someone may have used one of these brackets before. Motor is coming along nicely. It is a blueprint engines 383 which I have heard good things about. Can't wait to get it started. 430HP = FUN.
You couldn't possibly have a hood clearance problem with the alternator bracket when your carb is a lot higher and it doesn't even have the air cleaner on it. Does your air cleaner clear the hood ? Any time you check for clearance when the engine is installed , set a ball of your kids Play-Doh on top of the part and slowly ease the hood down . If it don't compress the Play-Doh your ok.
You couldn't possibly have a hood clearance problem with the alternator bracket when your carb is a lot higher and it doesn't even have the air cleaner on it. Does your air cleaner clear the hood ? Any time you check for clearance when the engine is installed , set a ball of your kids Play-Doh on top of the part and slowly ease the hood down . If it don't compress the Play-Doh your ok.
Thanks for the play dough tip. I will make sure to try that when I get the car back together.
The engine hasn't been fitted yet. It is all brand new. I am getting an L88 style scoop glassed to my bonnet to get clearance for the new air gap manifold. I thought someone may have used one of these summit alternator brackets before. I thought as it mounts up and out to one side a fair way I may have a problem. The air cleaner is in the centre where the maximum clearance of the hood will be.
I guess I will find out for sure when the engine is finally fitted.
Thanks for the play dough tip. I will make sure to try that when I get the car back together.
The engine hasn't been fitted yet. It is all brand new. I am getting an L88 style scoop glassed to my bonnet to get clearance for the new air gap manifold. I thought someone may have used one of these summit alternator brackets before. I thought as it mounts up and out to one side a fair way I may have a problem. The air cleaner is in the centre where the maximum clearance of the hood will be.
I guess I will find out for sure when the engine is finally fitted.
Summit alternator bracket
