Can't install alternator bracket with new stainless headers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: ny
Can't install alternator bracket with new stainless headers
If I use the regular 3/8 bolts, I am fine.. BUT I have to put the alternator bracket on the front two holes and its about 1/8" thick.. so there isn't enough length to the studs to get any to grab. I can't install a 1/8" longer bolt because the header pipe is not dented enough. I can get the front one in as the pipe is not in the way but this one in the picture is kicking my ***! I do NOT want to take this header and sidepipe off. I have it all buttoned down and clutch parts all installed. Perhaps there is another alternator bracket that will use the next hole down the row instead of this hole? These are the stainless headers that 'Josh' was selling.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: ny
^ I see how that works but it still won't work for me. Its the thickness of the bracket that hurts me because I can't use a bolt that is 1/8" longer than stock, I can't get it in due to the small dent in the header. I have to find a bracket that doesn't use header bolts. I see a million here but I don't know what will work for me http://www.summitracing.com/search/P.../?Ns=Price|Asc
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
This one bolts to the head
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...506.m270.l1313
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-...item415d5ab2fe
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...506.m270.l1313
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-...item415d5ab2fe
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: ny
Thanks I see there are a bunch of options for different mounts going to the head. I like the ones with the adjustable heim joints on them. I also see it matters if you have a long or short water pump. How do I know what I have. My car has an aluminum edlebrock waterpump on it (I am guessing someone added a larger one due to the blower)
Perhaps something like this? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SME-2001/?rtype=10 I don't know if my heads have accessory holes.
Perhaps something like this? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SME-2001/?rtype=10 I don't know if my heads have accessory holes.
Last edited by arcticcatmatt; Sep 23, 2011 at 11:33 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
i screwed around with the aftermarket mount for a few days and gave up on the damned thing.
i bought a, i think 73+, corvette alternator mount and i bolted on perfectly. no screwing around, no clearance issues, nothing. just bolted it onto the head and that was the end of it.
i bought a, i think 73+, corvette alternator mount and i bolted on perfectly. no screwing around, no clearance issues, nothing. just bolted it onto the head and that was the end of it.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,926
Likes: 739
From: Youngstown Ohio
Thanks I see there are a bunch of options for different mounts going to the head. I like the ones with the adjustable heim joints on them. I also see it matters if you have a long or short water pump. How do I know what I have. My car has an aluminum edlebrock waterpump on it (I am guessing someone added a larger one due to the blower)
Perhaps something like this? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SME-2001/?rtype=10 I don't know if my heads have accessory holes.
Perhaps something like this? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SME-2001/?rtype=10 I don't know if my heads have accessory holes.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: ny
yes I have tried a button head.. still no go. I just went out and took two pictures of my car.
Keep in mind my car is not stock and thats why I am asking so many questions. These heads are from a 71-72 LT1 (75cc) and I do have mounting holes in them
So perhaps I can use this bracket? I don't know why the listing says 72 and up.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-...item415d5ab2fe
Wish it was polished.
My other concern is that my waterpump isn't stock.. its an edlebrock. I am not sure if its a "long" or a "short" setup. How do I tell? Here is a photo
I also have powersteering and I think the valve covers are tall M/T's (roller rockers).
Those aftermarket mounts look nice and are about the same price as the OEM. Anyone been successful with them? Thanks in advance, this thing is just about the last thing I need to do to get my car back on the road
Keep in mind my car is not stock and thats why I am asking so many questions. These heads are from a 71-72 LT1 (75cc) and I do have mounting holes in them
So perhaps I can use this bracket? I don't know why the listing says 72 and up.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-...item415d5ab2fe
Wish it was polished.
My other concern is that my waterpump isn't stock.. its an edlebrock. I am not sure if its a "long" or a "short" setup. How do I tell? Here is a photo
I also have powersteering and I think the valve covers are tall M/T's (roller rockers).
Those aftermarket mounts look nice and are about the same price as the OEM. Anyone been successful with them? Thanks in advance, this thing is just about the last thing I need to do to get my car back on the road
Last edited by arcticcatmatt; Sep 24, 2011 at 11:08 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Back to the alternator bracket problem. Are you saying the 1/8" longer bolt cannot go through the bracket/header flange even if you temporarily remove all other header bolts and pull the flange away from the heads 1/2"?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Since you found out you do have the accessory holes in your heads, I would think the bracket you found at Summit would be the best way to go. That would get rid of the bracket problem, would not interfere with the header bolts, and give you additional adjustment room with your alternator.
kdf
kdf
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: ny
Thanks for that photo! I just went and measured, Its about 5" so its close to the "short" waterpump. So now I am wondering what mount I need that will not hit my power steering and will work with tall valve covers. Getting closer 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: ny
I just took out all header bolts and pulled header back to try and put the longer bolt in that way but of course I didn't think about how to tighten it after that.. no way to get a allen wrench on it then because the header.. mounting the alternator to the header is my only option. I worry about buying that stock one on ebay because I have tall valve covers, I don't know if it will clear and I wonder if that works with the eldlebrock waterpump that is on it (belt line up). If I buy from summit I can return it if I buy GM stock one from ebay I am stuck with it hmm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,746
Likes: 1,387
get bracket 3951337 cast in it.
See post below, #14 has a picture of it.
I used to have the same dang goofy bracket you're trying to use, but with holes in the head this is the hot ticket.
Got my 3951337 from a junkyard for 5 bucks. Look at early 70s GM pickups too.
Or easier, look at ebay.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...der-bolts.html
I used to have the same dang goofy bracket you're trying to use, but with holes in the head this is the hot ticket.
Got my 3951337 from a junkyard for 5 bucks. Look at early 70s GM pickups too.
Or easier, look at ebay.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...der-bolts.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
^ I see how that works but it still won't work for me. Its the thickness of the bracket that hurts me because I can't use a bolt that is 1/8" longer than stock, I can't get it in due to the small dent in the header. I have to find a bracket that doesn't use header bolts. I see a million here but I don't know what will work for me http://www.summitracing.com/search/P.../?Ns=Price|Asc
BTW, these things really are crap and flex like the Dickins. Yours already appears to have a crack. If I had accessory bolt holes on the head, I would have gone with a head-mount bracket of which there are several nice ones to choose from. You notice the extra piece welded to mine to reduce flex. There is also one welded on the other side and it still visually flexes. These things pull apart just like an accordion reducing tension on the belt and are often the soure of belt squeal as teh alternator flexes in toward the centerline of the engine.
For my header mount, I used bolts that were too long and ground them down to size. As you know, stock header bolts dont have enough length to engage enough threads for thick flanges plus the bracket.
Last edited by toddalin; Sep 24, 2011 at 01:30 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Kissimmee fl
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The GM part will work regardless of what valve covers you are using.
The only reason most people run into problems with tall valve covers on the SBC is the belt they were running is too short. Unless the alt is currently at the end of the slot of the upper arm, just get a longer belt and rotate the alt away from the VC. Here is the GM bracket on my 69.
Here is what I did to bolt on the new pipes. Switched to socket head bolts and cut and tacked a length from the end of a 5/16 in ball end allen wrench into a 5/16th in. socket. This gets into the bolt heads from an angle and works right down the line.
The only reason most people run into problems with tall valve covers on the SBC is the belt they were running is too short. Unless the alt is currently at the end of the slot of the upper arm, just get a longer belt and rotate the alt away from the VC. Here is the GM bracket on my 69.
Here is what I did to bolt on the new pipes. Switched to socket head bolts and cut and tacked a length from the end of a 5/16 in ball end allen wrench into a 5/16th in. socket. This gets into the bolt heads from an angle and works right down the line.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 517
Likes: 7
From: Peoria IL
The GM part will work regardless of what valve covers you are using.
The only reason most people run into problems with tall valve covers on the SBC is the belt they were running is too short. Unless the alt is currently at the end of the slot of the upper arm, just get a longer belt and rotate the alt away from the VC....
The only reason most people run into problems with tall valve covers on the SBC is the belt they were running is too short. Unless the alt is currently at the end of the slot of the upper arm, just get a longer belt and rotate the alt away from the VC....
I recently gave up on this mess and designed and fabricated my own brackets and switched to a (physically) smaller alternator (same output rating) if you are interested and have access to a mill.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1578742324-post12.html
