Alternator placement with SBC

[RBBJ 32 HOTROD]

I'm running a sbc with a short water pump, is anyone else running this combination? How did you mount your alternator? I have a full size chrome one. Supply pictures if you have them. I'm thinking down low on the driver's side is the best spot. Thanks

[NAZ]

Won't fit in a low or mid mount -- chassis is too narrow. I used this one: https://www.summitracing.com/search?SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=sum-341300

These work with standard valve covers and some tall ones but not all. I may have an old photo of this set-up with a standard short water pump but I've made a couple custom drives since then so if you check my build album you may see photos of two or three different drives.

If you take the link below to my build album and check out photo 78 you can sort of see how the alternator is positioned high and slightly to the driver's side -- that's the bracket I purchased from Summit.

Here's a photo of the latest drive I made for my new engine. While it's a custom fabricated drive it mounts close to the Summit Racing bracket, just a little higher and farther forward to clear my very tall valve covers. But it gives you an idea of the positioning.
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[JimLev]

I don't recall if there are any low mount holes on a 350.
Here is what I did on my LS3, ICT truck mount alt bracket, I had to shorten the spacers to move the alt in for the pulleys to align.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/icb-551668-3

For an alt I used this one wire job.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-37461

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[RBBJ 32 HOTROD]

Yes there are 2 holes down low on my 79 block but of course there is a stud broken in one. Like Naz was saying the frame is to narrow in that area, I've decided to modify the bracket I have to work up high on the driver's side. I just have to bend a bracket to mount on the hole in front of the exhaust bolt hole. The only thing is that it might hang out too far to put the side engine panels on. We'll see.

[NAZ]

I'm surprised that the LS has room for a full size alternator hugging the block down low. I have so many electronics on my car I need a full size alternator to power that stuff and would have made my own brackets if I could figure out how to fit one in that tiny space and still service it.

Yep, those threaded holes on the front of the engine are for motor mounts but work great for other purposes. A very popular alternator drive for drag racers uses these on the driver's side for tucking in a small diameter alternator close to the block. In 1955 the new 265 CI V8 used these and a cradle to mount the engine but later Chevy moved the mounts to the side of the block. Sure handy that Chevy left these on the block all those years and that Dart incorporated them into their aftermarket blocks.

[JimLev]

NAZ, you needed more than 140 Amps?

[NAZ]

Jim, on paper I need a bit over 110A but I'm running a 100A and it's working. East Coast Auto Electric makes some kits for installing v-belt drive super mini alternators low on the block for SBC that may fit where you have yours mounted and still be able to get it out. These were the closest thing I could find that the dimensions appeared they would fit. But they don't have any that small that put out 100A. There was also a clean looking kit that came off my electric water pump but again, the small alternator didn't have the power. So I fabricated my own alternator drive to get what I needed.

[wrp]

I had the alternator mounted on the passenger side high. I think I still have the brackets if you haven't solved your problem. When I put in the AC I had to move the alternator to the driver side and that required a kit from summit which I had to grind and cut on to make work

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[RBBJ 32 HOTROD]

Thanks but I'm unable to put high on the passenger side I have a vintage intake and valve covers and the oil fill is on the front of the intake.

[rychi1]

I used the bracket linked below from Speedway, it sits high on the drivers side, but easily sits between the frame and under the hood. I think it looks good also.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Small-Block-Chevy-Inboard-Alternator-Bracket,7887.html

[rychi1]

I used the bracket linked below from Speedway, it sits high on the drivers side, but easily sits between the frame and under the hood. I think it looks good also. I had to play with the belt size a few times to get one that fit snug and cleared the valve covers.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Small-Block-Chevy-Inboard-Alternator-Bracket,7887.html

[RBBJ 32 HOTROD]

Thank you Ryan I'll have to check it out.

[rhall74]

Check out Billet Supplies mount, solid, clean with HVAC & Alternator

[THUNDERSTRUCK]

check these out for low mount they also have high mount.
https://www.southernrods.com/a-c-and-heat-components/a-c-and-alternator-brackets/small-block-chevy-short-water-pump-1.html
I'm planning and hoping on the low mounts for a 35 truck.
Lots of measurements on site

[RoadRacer]

I had this bookmarked while I went through all the options.. in the end I’ve moved the alternator to the frame.

You can see some progress pictures on this thread and I’ll post more soon

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?47623-Frame-mounted-alternator&p=541307&viewfull=1#post541307

[Guy G]

WRP, Where did you find the air cleaner???