Alternator mounting

[JointTech]

Lesson 1. Take more pictures. When you think you have enough; take more.
Hoping somebody has some pictures of how this all goes together. I suck at tetris and puzzles...
The truck was a big block with AC originally.
I bought it with a 350 and no AC compressor or bracket.
I just got vortec heads and am trying to figure out how the alternator was mounted.
I will be getting an AC compressor at some point after the truck is running so want to set it up for that.

Here are the brackets that were attached to it when I bought it. The big one was attached via the left side thermostat housing bolt which I dont think is correct for any years..


And here is the other bracket that attaches to the water pump that I think the alternator also attaches to but Im not sure if its upside down.


heres a couple old shots of the motor.

[JointTech]

looks like if you have AC the alt needs to go on the drivers side. Now Im not sure if I should look for OE type 350 brackets or just get something like these.


judging by this picture I have some frankenstein type setup. I have the outer lower brakcet but not the inner. (and mine is currently upside down.


this looks alot like what I had. But I dont see that inner lower bracket in this pic.

[FirstOwner69]

I'm not sure you'll get much info here since those brackets are clearly not what was originally used on these trucks. All SBC engine trucks from 67-72, with or without A/C, came with the alternator on the driver's side. Below is a picture of the front of my GM 350 crate engine with Vortec heads. If you go with factory A/C brackets with your Vortec heads, you will find that the 2 upper braces (not present in my pic) won't work due to the different intake bolt angle and placement. I had to fabricate my own braces. It won't solve your problem, but I hope the pic helps.

[JointTech]

pic helps thanks. I think im going to look for factory type alternator brackets and then get one of the custom ones for the AC compressor later on.
Now to find the brackets. I think they have some chrome ones on the wall in the speed section at auto zone... I don't care about the OE-ness of them as long as they fit with a long water pump, headers and power steering pump.

[JointTech]

to further complicate things. It seems all the drivers side brackets are for short water pumps. Long water pumps have passenger side brackets. I have a long water pump (new and painted already...).

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by JointTech

to further complicate things. It seems all the drivers side brackets are for short water pumps. Long water pumps have passenger side brackets. I have a long water pump (new and painted already...).

I was about to mention that. Didn't know that includes the aftermarket stuff though?

[JointTech]

yea they all have descriptions with the opposite of what I need.
This guy fabs them but its more than I want to spend on brackets. although the way this build is going its about par for the course. I may just make some myself. I have all the tools no excuse not to.
http://www.alangrovecomponents.com

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by JointTech

yea they all have descriptions with the opposite of what I need.
This guy fabs them but its more than I want to spend on brackets. although the way this build is going its about par for the course. I may just make some myself. I have all the tools no excuse not to.
http://www.alangrovecomponents.com

You should consider going with a serpentine system off an 88-92 C1500.
It puts the compressor on the passenger side and the alternator on the driver side. You could probably score a good a/c compressor plus upgrade to a more powerful alternator.
37787 GM External regulator to GM “CS” series internal regulator
(This is an easy plug-in conversion that can be used with 1986 and later series alternators) . . . . . . . . . . 21.00 ea
http://www.americanautowire.com/cata...ersionKits.pdf
Plug and play. You can use your old p/s pump or if you get a newer one just transfer the flow regulator valve off your old pump so the pressure hose fits.