Where to mount this !@#!@# alternator
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: Point Pleasant NJ
Where to mount this !@#!@# alternator
hey guys.. i have camel hump heads without accessory bolts. I am going to swap the motor out, but until i can get the cash and decide what combo i want ... i want to use the one that is in there. The problem i have is that at higher RPM's (not that high 2700) the alternator belt squeals ... i don't have anything else on that pully system except the water pump. it goes crank... water pump... and the alternator is in the upper right corner. the setup that i have now is... for lack of a better description a long bananna looking bracket for the upper bolt, and the lower bolt attaches to a bracket that attaches it to the #1 exhaust port header bolts. THIS is the weak link... at higher rmps... it flexes... any ideas without having the spend major $$$ on a serpantine system? 
thanks guys
thanks guys
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
I think I have the same setup. Header mount brace, bolted to a sliding bracket that adjusts front to back.
Then an arm, monted to the water pump, that allows for pivoting the alternator in and out.
The header mount bends easily. I'm betting yours is currently bent. Try buying a new one. When I did, the new one was much thicker than the old one.
Also move the sliding pivot from the back of the alternator "ear" mount, to the front.
Gary
Then an arm, monted to the water pump, that allows for pivoting the alternator in and out.
The header mount bends easily. I'm betting yours is currently bent. Try buying a new one. When I did, the new one was much thicker than the old one.
Also move the sliding pivot from the back of the alternator "ear" mount, to the front.
Gary
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First stabilize it all as you said, then make sure of a couple of things.
First check alt pulley real good. It should be a nice smooth *V* without any dips in the sides of the V. The belt is supposed to grip on the sides of the V..often pulleys get worn and the belt rides down into the lower part of pulley and tries to grab at the bottom which can't hold it.
Double check belt width. Ideally the belt should ride "slightly" higher than the pulley edge unless you have deep V pulleys. Often the wrong width belt allows the same issue...the belt rides too low in pulley and can't hold on.
I've also seen a second bracket fabricated to hold alternator back to intake along with the "banana" one. But I think the stock setup can work OK if you get it stabilized.
JIM
First check alt pulley real good. It should be a nice smooth *V* without any dips in the sides of the V. The belt is supposed to grip on the sides of the V..often pulleys get worn and the belt rides down into the lower part of pulley and tries to grab at the bottom which can't hold it.
Double check belt width. Ideally the belt should ride "slightly" higher than the pulley edge unless you have deep V pulleys. Often the wrong width belt allows the same issue...the belt rides too low in pulley and can't hold on.
I've also seen a second bracket fabricated to hold alternator back to intake along with the "banana" one. But I think the stock setup can work OK if you get it stabilized.
JIM
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i have the same heads and same set up....make sure you have the correct length belt....i had tall valve covers and that meant the engine had a longer belt and i ran out of tightening room.....when i redid the engine i went with short valve covers and it fixed the squeal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Summit, Jegs, Auto Zone, Advance auto, etc, just about everyone sells these. I got a chrome plated one from Advance Auto that was much thicker than the steel one that was on the car.
Look for an alternator mount for use with headers.
Gary
Look for an alternator mount for use with headers.
Gary
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: Point Pleasant NJ
hmm i have roller rockers so i can't use the smaller valve covers ... at least i am pretty sure i can't... use the smaller covers... i am going to buy a new belt... just in case this one has glazed or is warn out, and i will look into buyin a new bracket... although i would be buying the exact same one. thanks for the input!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: eastern NC
Actually you have a couple of options...
The high HP solid lifter Corvettes in the 60's used an idler pulley to stabilize the belt for higher rpm use, you can get these from some of the vendors. I know Paragon has them, but they aren't cheap.
In my opinion the best solition for a non-original application is the mid-60's low mount alternator set up GM used. (65-66 Chevy II possibly?) It mounted the alternator in the area where most Corvettes have their PS pump, if I remember correctly. It made for a very compact set-up that could handle 7000+ rpm's without throwing a belt. Lots of racers used them in the 60's to keep their belts on through the 1/4 mile. I think some of the Hot Rod vendors sell a similar set-up out of billet aluminum as well.
Good luck... GUSTO
The high HP solid lifter Corvettes in the 60's used an idler pulley to stabilize the belt for higher rpm use, you can get these from some of the vendors. I know Paragon has them, but they aren't cheap.
In my opinion the best solition for a non-original application is the mid-60's low mount alternator set up GM used. (65-66 Chevy II possibly?) It mounted the alternator in the area where most Corvettes have their PS pump, if I remember correctly. It made for a very compact set-up that could handle 7000+ rpm's without throwing a belt. Lots of racers used them in the 60's to keep their belts on through the 1/4 mile. I think some of the Hot Rod vendors sell a similar set-up out of billet aluminum as well.
Good luck... GUSTO
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 241
From: Niles, MI
I've had good luck using the Dynomax bracket ("E" in the following picture).
You use it in conjunction with the stock bracket that attaches to the water pump and exhaust manifold. Here's some pics with it installed.
I also have belt that just goes between the crank and the water pump. Never a belt squeel now
You use it in conjunction with the stock bracket that attaches to the water pump and exhaust manifold. Here's some pics with it installed.
I also have belt that just goes between the crank and the water pump. Never a belt squeel now
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 460
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From: Point Pleasant NJ
you have a belt between the crank and the water pump?? how did you get that on... took the pully off and put it back on with the belt? what size belt did you use...
and i have bracket f ... would be ok except the part that attaches that to the block bends...
and i have bracket f ... would be ok except the part that attaches that to the block bends...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 241
From: Niles, MI
Originally Posted by lil75vette
you have a belt between the crank and the water pump?? how did you get that on... took the pully off and put it back on with the belt?
Originally Posted by lil75vette
what size belt did you use...
When I bought my Vette the PO had installed the bracket you are using and I could never get the belt adjusted tight enough to keep it from slipping. This setup is much more rigid and with 2 belts driving the water pump it never slips. This setup works great and it's much cheaper then a set of March pulleys. Since the crank pulley is only 6 5/8", it also underdrives just like the March setup. You do need to open up the pilot hole on the water pump pulley to 3/4" dia. to work on the Vette water pump tho. It's not a big deal; I just set it up in a lathe and drilled and reamed it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: Point Pleasant NJ
Originally Posted by Kid Vette
When I bought my Vette the PO had installed the bracket you are using and I could never get the belt adjusted tight enough to keep it from slipping. This setup is much more rigid and with 2 belts driving the water pump it never slips. This setup works great and it's much cheaper then a set of March pulleys. Since the crank pulley is only 6 5/8", it also underdrives just like the March setup. You do need to open up the pilot hole on the water pump pulley to 3/4" dia. to work on the Vette water pump tho. It's not a big deal; I just set it up in a lathe and drilled and reamed it.
