Need opinion from guys w/ headers
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Need opinion from guys w/ headers
This is regarding my '88. On the back of the alternator is a black support that connects to an exhaust bolt. Due to tube configuration on the #1 cylinder, I'm having a little trouble with coming up with a way to anchor that end of the support. Is this support one that can be omitted, or is it necessary to keep the other mounts from cracking/breaking over time? Thanks in advance.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
When I saw Jsup's headers I noticed he had used standoffs and longer header bolts so that all the stock brackets worked.
Measure the length of the "standoff" on your OEM header and get one that will give the same distance from head to the bolt.
Measure the length of the "standoff" on your OEM header and get one that will give the same distance from head to the bolt.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Using the standoffs and bolts was my 1st thought. Where I'm running into trouble is that most of the tubes come out of the flange at some odd angles, preventing the use of your idea. One thing is for sure, great minds think alike! On the other side of the engine, the A/C does something similar. On that one I made a longer bracket. I think it'll work there because the header tube appears to give it room. I'm not so lucky on the alternator side though. One thought I've had is to drill a hole thru the flange mid-way between the tubes, and run a flat head screw from the back side, creating a stud I can use for the mount. But like most guys, I'm a little reluctant to drill thru the coating because as soon as I do I'll either come up with a better idea, or this idea won't work and I'll have an extra hole in the flange.
All these what-ifs are starting to drive me nuts.
All these what-ifs are starting to drive me nuts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
their alternator support had cracked - apparently in relation to not
reinstalling the bracket(s) after changing to headers.
IIRC, the A/C side has also caused troubles.
.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Thanks again for all the replies. It may not seem like it, but this does help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
L98 alternator support bracket with Hooker 2149 LTs?
Originally Posted by TA
Here's the bracket I made for my car. Its electrical conduit crimped on
the ends and bent at the right angles.
the ends and bent at the right angles.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,723
Likes: 11
From: Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
It seems like every time one of you guys gives me a good idea, something about the burn-danged headers shoots it down.
Today I made up a small bracket out of 3/16" angle iron. It's about 1-1/2" long, and would extend out about 1-1/2" from the flange. To use it would be a tight fit, even after trimming it down some. This bracket would ideally mount to the flange, just forward of the #3 tube. The support rod would then bolt to the bracket. To do this I'd have to drill/tap two holes thru the flange. Decisions, decisions. What do you guys think?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
I'd like to see pics! I'm in line for a set and wouldn't mind seeing the problem. (Though I kinda understand what you're saying).
Show both sides if possible!
Brian said these headers would be less headache than Hedman's, better ground clearance, etc... In fact, he said no modifications were required for the install.
gp
Show both sides if possible!
Brian said these headers would be less headache than Hedman's, better ground clearance, etc... In fact, he said no modifications were required for the install.
gp
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
I'd like to see pics! I'm in line for a set and wouldn't mind seeing the problem. (Though I kinda understand what you're saying).
Show both sides if possible!
Brian said these headers would be less headache than Hedman's, better ground clearance, etc... In fact, he said no modifications were required for the install.
gp
Show both sides if possible!
Brian said these headers would be less headache than Hedman's, better ground clearance, etc... In fact, he said no modifications were required for the install.
gp
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
As far as modifications, Brian is correct. so far, I've not had to modify anything. I am in the process of fabricating a couple of supports. I already have the support for the a/c compresser done and it's on the car as we speak. I just need to get this support rod for the back of the alternator figured out and I'll be ready to start the install. I think.
How do you like fit/finish? Did you check to see how they match up to the ports?
gp
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
As far as modifications, Brian is correct. so far, I've not had to modify anything. I am in the process of fabricating a couple of supports. I already have the support for the a/c compresser done and it's on the car as we speak. I just need to get this support rod for the back of the alternator figured out and I'll be ready to start the install. I think.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
They match up to the head/ports pretty well. One of the other members, Z51L9889, lives nearby and he has his engine apart. He came over w/ one of his heads and I bolted both headers up to it. They went on very well.
The finish of the headers is very good. It's also fairly ding resistant as I've learned from experience. So far, no chipping.
Last edited by Yguy; May 16, 2008 at 10:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
I'm not sure what a "cad document" is, but I'll try to post some pics of the two supports I've made when they're done.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Here's the bracket I had made up. I got the standoffs from another set of L98 manifolds, then grabbed some angle iron out of the shed.I cut it up as needed and a really good guy at work welded them up for me. It'll bolt to the header flange behind the #5 tube and into a hole I transferred, drilled and tapped. The hole on top is for the brace to go to the back of the alt. That part will be made once the header is on the car. I hope someone gets some help from this. And thanks very much to all of you that responded to this thread. It may not seem like it, but everything helps. Thanks again.
