Is The Top A/C Bracket Needed?

[k5hart]

Is anyone running the stock air conditioning without the top manifold bracket? Is there any problems with running without it?

I have tall valve covers and an Edelbrock Air Gap intake and both the bracket on the intake and the arm don't clear. I have all of the stock brackets holding the front and will be using a header adapter bracket on the bottom rear of the compressor.

Opinions. Thanks.

[k5hart]

Bringing it to the top for the day. Anyone with thoughts?

[kxnomore]

I've seen this happen before with a Vortec cylinder head set up, where the brackets don't line up at all. But there are two upper brackets, right? The semi- straight one in the back that attaches to a C shaped bracket on the intake manifold. Do you have that one? If so, I think the remaing ones in the front are pretty strong, and you would be okay. You also could find another one of the straight brackets, or maybe an alternator's long curved bracket, and bend it to fit where the old top bracket was back to the engine on the front of the head or the manifold.
But if you have the back bracket I think you're good. Just my $.02

[k5hart]

kxnomore - Yes the two top brackets you talk about are the ones I want to eliminate. Good idea though using a modified alt. bracket or something. I am leaning toward trying it without and seeing what happens. Thanks.

[100%Chevy]

I'd keep an eye on that sheetmetal header bracket.Without the top brackets,it will flex and crack.
Mike.

[k5hart]

Good point. I'll check it every so often. Wish I could find an easy fitment for the top bracket.

[71 super]

Why not get two steel spacers 1/2 long by 3/8 to raise the bracket on the intake and clear your covers. the connector strap can then be pivoted to attach to the compressor. All you need is the spacers- lowes and longer bolts at the intake to account for the spacers.

[k5hart]

I'll look at using some spacers tomorrow. Thanks 71 super.