GrandSportC3

I don't know anybody that sells high quality alternator brackets that work with headers. I use the 2 piece setup. One piece mounts on top of the cyl #1 pipe and a L-shaped bracket that mounts on top of that bracket and holds the alternator.. I'm breaking at least one of those brackets every 5000 miles... The same thing happened on my previous C3's... This morning - I drove 240 miles from Ft. Lauderdale to Orlando and I broke another one.. I noticed it when I stopped for breakfast.. Luckily - I always carry spare alternator brackets with me and I fixed it.. The quality of those brackets is horrible.. I tried many brackets from different brands etc.. and all of them break.. I'm not able to find those brackets in forged steel so that they'll last.. Does anybody know a place that sells those brackets in higher quality??

turtlevette

do you have acessory holes in your heads?

GrandSportC3

yes - I do!!

BTW - here's the bracket that usually breaks:

GrandSportC3

I also have broken quite a few of those:

turtlevette

i ran those brackets for a while when i had an engine with the old double hump heads without acessory holes. They are flimsey and a pain to put on. Why dont you just use the newer iron or aluminum bracket that bolts to the front of the head? I gurantee you won't break that one. Check out the alt bracket for a 75 vette.

GrandSportC3

Those modern brackets are way too expensive.. I'm willing to spend up to $100 for something that lasts..

turtlevette

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2455624800

Cali,68,L-79

I've got the same thing but chrome, mine appears to be thicker but I just went and looked and no name on it. Sorry can't help.

VetteNut72

Please excuse the quality of the pictures but this is the alternator bracket that I am using. The number on the casting is 3951337. I believe that it is a GM part so you should be able to locate one.




Craig

Mark70

I've had the same problems!! :mad Plus, the header bolts are always working loose where the bracket mounts, which gets old really fast. I ended up buying a March billet bracket for more money than I wanted to spend, but it's a REALLY nice, solid mount.

As an option, Summit Racing sells billet aluminum brackets for short and long water pumps for $60 - $70:

SME-2000 Chevrolet: 262-400, long water pump, billet alluminum, alternator bracket $59.95
SME-2001 Alternator Bracket, SBC Short-WP, Driver Side-Cylinder Head Mnt., Satin $69.95

427V8

I run this as well. It won't be breaking...

Cali,68,L-79

Okay try taking the busted one to a machinery repairman and lay a thick bead on the break point (assuming they all break on the same spot).

PROBLEM SOLVED!

GrandSportC3

Thanks! That looks exactly like what I need.. I just don't know if my accessory holes on my heads are the same as on the GM heads that that those brackets were made for.. My heads are DART Iron Eagle heads..

Corz

no its not.. I weld for a hobby.. I tried this on the same bracket. It broke right around the weld. The strongest point on metal after welding is where it's fresh. the weakest point is right around the bead. exactly where it broke.

garandfan

I bought both a steel, and a alum. type later vette bracket on ebay for less than 30.00 each.

I put the alum on mine after polishing it, but the steel would be better for your application. Top adjuster bracket is a Mr. Gasket chrome for 10.00. Fits perfectly!! Total bill: less than 60.00 and far better than the POS replacements they offer us with older C3s

Frank

tsw71

I ran the hooker brackets for years with my original alternator and had no problems. After installing my Powermaster alternator, I began breaking the mounting bolts frequently and eventually the brackets broke too. The cause was a severe vibration i tracked down the chrome alternator fan. The hole in the center was offset far enough to cause this vibration. I should also note that the vibration only occured at a specific RPM (1800-2000). I replaced the chrome fan and now all is well. Even if you decide to go with the brackets mentioned by others, I would still check your alternator for this vibration.

Steve Straus

IMO this is the only way to go:



It's a March billet aluminum alternator bracket. It uses a tie rod with two heim joints to adjust the tension. No more prying, just turn the wrench and then tighten the jamb nuts.


It's $165 at Jegs, but honesty, it's worth it. That's not much more than you were willing to spend.
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...11&prmenbr=361

Part Number 655-20130



[Modified by Steve Straus, 10:20 AM 1/24/2004]

turtlevette

Yes, holes are the same. Thats the whole point, to be able to mount standard acessories. The steel brackets are cheaper.

carriljc

I have a 68 with holes in the head and a short water pump. Assuming you have a short water pump; you can get the cast iron bracket previously mentioned for about 5 bucks at a boneyard. I used to break those same flimsy brackets you mention have; then a friend told me to find an early 70's gm pickup(because they came with short water pumps), and I haven't had a problem since. I did have to get a slightly shorter belt.

Barry's70LT1

I've been running this bracket for 32 years.
I installed headers in 1972 and that bracket was used orginally on Chevy trucks.
At the time it was only a few dollars.

Before buying at a Corvette speciality store, check GM, sometimes these things are very well priced.
Barry