Alternator belt trouble - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pdawg · 05-06-2013, 10:21 PM

I installed a ZZ383 crate engine in my 1972 Chev C10 Custom Deluxe & used the factory power steering & alternator brackets. I dressed it up with some GMPP valve covers. My problem is a lack of adjustment on the alternator belt. I had to go with a longer belt to clear the covers but it's at that point where any further adjustment actually loosens the belt. My son is having the same problem on his 1977 Corvette after installing similar GMPP valve covers. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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Andy4639 · 05-06-2013, 11:06 PM

U don't have many choices here. Either change valve covers are change the brakets for the alternator. The brackets may can be modified to push the alternator out more but with the bottom bolt being the same I doubt it will. U will have to have the whole alternator pushed away from the covers to do any good.

One other thing is to buy a smaller pulley for the alternator and in turn get a shorter belt.

mr48chev · 05-06-2013, 11:11 PM

I believe Andy told it like it is. Those brackets weren't designed for taller valve covers and barely clear the stock ones.

pdawg · 05-07-2013, 09:47 AM

Thanks for the reply gents! I was kinda hoping that someone had done the work on this already but it looks like I've got to figure it out if I want to keep them (which I do). I'll post when I come up with something.

05-06-2013, 10:21 PM	#1
pdawg Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 92	Alternator belt trouble I installed a ZZ383 crate engine in my 1972 Chev C10 Custom Deluxe & used the factory power steering & alternator brackets. I dressed it up with some GMPP valve covers. My problem is a lack of adjustment on the alternator belt. I had to go with a longer belt to clear the covers but it's at that point where any further adjustment actually loosens the belt. My son is having the same problem on his 1977 Corvette after installing similar GMPP valve covers. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Posted via Mobile Device

05-06-2013, 11:06 PM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Alternator belt trouble U don't have many choices here. Either change valve covers are change the brakets for the alternator. The brackets may can be modified to push the alternator out more but with the bottom bolt being the same I doubt it will. U will have to have the whole alternator pushed away from the covers to do any good. One other thing is to buy a smaller pulley for the alternator and in turn get a shorter belt. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

05-06-2013, 11:11 PM	#3
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,367	Re: Alternator belt trouble I believe Andy told it like it is. Those brackets weren't designed for taller valve covers and barely clear the stock ones. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

05-07-2013, 09:47 AM	#4
pdawg Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 92	Re: Alternator belt trouble Thanks for the reply gents! I was kinda hoping that someone had done the work on this already but it looks like I've got to figure it out if I want to keep them (which I do). I'll post when I come up with something.



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