Alternator spacing
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine Florida
Alternator spacing
Hello,
My c4 has a built 350 swapped into it and the alternator is on the passenger side.... yeah i know it should be on the driver's side. unfortunately, the alternator is cocked a bit, resulting in the belt being chewed up fairly quick. what would be the best way to maybe bend the bracket to straighten the alternator up? I was planning on spacing the alternator back a bit in an attempt to remedy the problem, but if there is a better way, I'd like to know.
My c4 has a built 350 swapped into it and the alternator is on the passenger side.... yeah i know it should be on the driver's side. unfortunately, the alternator is cocked a bit, resulting in the belt being chewed up fairly quick. what would be the best way to maybe bend the bracket to straighten the alternator up? I was planning on spacing the alternator back a bit in an attempt to remedy the problem, but if there is a better way, I'd like to know.
Last edited by little98dime; Oct 31, 2009 at 09:48 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
It is a little hard to advise on something none of us know what you are using. As you said, the 350 (5.7 L) C4s have the alternator on the left. Your guesses are better than ours... You've seen it. Bend the brackets, shim it, whatever works. A proper, stock set of brackets should maintain a proper belt alignment. If all else fails you could go back to C4 parts.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,698
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
The bracket should have 3 mounting points. If so, you should be able to use washers at 1 or 2 of the points so the alternator is back in alignment. If the bracket is cast aluminum, you don't want to bend it. Good luck
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine Florida
The bracket is aluminum, but because of it already being modified to put the alternator on the right side, it only has 2 mounting points. If I did bend it, it would be extremely minimal. The only other way I can think, is to get a new bracket. Are there any out there that would put it in a better spot?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine Florida
The bracket is aluminum, but because of it already being modified to put the alternator on the right side, it only has 2 mounting points. If I did bend it, it would be extremely minimal. The only other way I can think, is to get a new bracket. Are there any out there that would put it in a better spot?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,146
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From: The Motor City
Since the wiring is redone for pass. side etc. I wouldn't move it. I would start by putting a straight edge on the pulleys and determine what needs to be straightened/shimmed etc. You can then either buy another similar bracket, or tweak the one you have. Two points from the alt. bracket would be fine, and making/adding a support tube with flats on each end (and drilled for a bolt can go through) would be bent so that it will support the alt. from the back side to the cylinder head. This additional support would would keep the alt. and assembly from flexing.
The idea of a "better" location would be determined by what else you are considering. If you have no plans to return the car to stock there isn't one is better than another solutuion IMO. Pass. side mid mount alt. will allow room on the drivers side for a procharger though........
The idea of a "better" location would be determined by what else you are considering. If you have no plans to return the car to stock there isn't one is better than another solutuion IMO. Pass. side mid mount alt. will allow room on the drivers side for a procharger though........
Last edited by mseven; Nov 1, 2009 at 08:27 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
My '87 El Camino has the alt on the pass. side. Go to a bone yard and check out the V8 Malibu's, Monte Carlo's, or even El Camino's and get the stock brackets off it and you'll be good to go.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 43
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From: St. Augustine Florida
The bracket that is on it now is what I assume to be the stock bracket for the block. The alternator bracket was cut off and repositioned to the passenger side. Thanks 383, I'll check a couple of the local yards for a camaro accessory bracket. For now, I'll just rug it up with extra bracing and either get a camaro bracket or just get a new billet one. The engine has a bunch of goodies already, why not make it look better and solve my problem in one swoop.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine Florida
The bracket that is on it now is what I assume to be the stock bracket for the block. The alternator bracket was cut off and repositioned to the passenger side. Thanks 383, I'll check a couple of the local yards for a camaro accessory bracket. For now, I'll just rug it up with extra bracing and either get a camaro bracket or just get a new billet one. The engine has a bunch of goodies already, why not make it look better and solve my problem in one swoop.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine Florida
Well, I just finished getting it lined up and secured enough to last till I can get a billet bracket. Turns out I can simply replace just that part instead having to get a whole accessory bracket and pulley system. 