Alternator clearance issues. Need ideas.

[Steve Cole]

What are you guys with the tall valve covers on the 350 engines using for alternator mounts? Mine is mounted on the drivers side above the PS pump. The upper "adjustment arm" is attached at the water pump attach hole and isn't long enough anymore. There are no threaded holes in the heads or block to pick up for use and I'm not a fan of the low mounts or the 12 O'clock position mounts.

So, what is everyone using? Pics would be awesome!
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[hayhauler71]

here is a pic of mine no power steering note the location of the alternator adjustment arm. I am using a 55 1/2 inch belt

[GMCJOE]

A lot of people go with the low mount alternator kit, but not being a fan kinda eliminates that option. Relocating to the other side of the engine may be a option with a different factory alternator bracket. I know the 10-SI is a thinner alternator. Not sure which one you are running.

[Steve Cole]

Hey Hayhauler,

Beautiful engine! Unfortunately, I can't mount mine where your mount is located because the threaded holes are not there. If worse comes to worse, I may drill my own holes but that would be a last resort. Another style of mount is my preferred way to go.

Surely someone here has run into the same problem!

[rsmarr1982]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

Hey Hayhauler,

Beautiful engine! Unfortunately, I can't mount mine where your mount is located because the threaded holes are not there. If worse comes to worse, I may drill my own holes but that would be a last resort. Another style of mount is my preferred way to go.

Surely someone here has run into the same problem!

i would advise not drilling any holes. i had a machine shop do that once to a set of heads i had. the problem is where those holes are from the factory the casting of the head is raised . and i tried over and over again to shape washers to fit so that the bracket would be straight and it never worked right. if i got on it in a race or just even getting on the highway fast the belt came off.

[GMCJOE]

I had issue with mounting mine, unfortunately I don't have pics of the swap up. I put a 96 LT1 engine in mine, and had no original equipment to use from the donor. And the holes don't match older equipment. Pretty much like having no holes. Ended up with the low mount kit.

I do not recommend drilling holes into a head, most likely drill into a water jacket or crack the head. Those heads sound like the was made for a race engine, requiring no additional equipment. Sell them and buy ones with holes.

You might be able to use a alternator bracket that mounts to the intake and water pump. I would suggest for the lower bracket, make your own. But you might still have clearance issues with the valve covers.

Here is a link to a set-up I am describing. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342062