Question : How to mount P/S pump with with A/C eliminator bracket

[jakester888]

Hey guys.

I've just bought an A/C Eliminator bracket from March Performance (P/N 655-1460). I have not yet ordered a shiny chrome P/S pump but before I do I wanted to check-out the mounting.

Problem : according to the instructions, re-using existing bolts it should be possible to attach the P/S unit to the March Performance bracket. Well, no problem attaching top bolt... but the bottom bolt will not align to the stock motor... the hole & bolt will not align with the P/S pump mount as they do easily with the A/C + P/S bracket. See photos.

568656885687

Question : for those of you who have installed P/S, what bracket setup did you use to mount the pump? Pictures and part numbers helpful. I don't see how I can possibly use this March Performance part... has anyone tried?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Jake,
Sorry to tell you that bracket it isn't going to do what you need so don't worry about trying to make it fit. It is to do away with the AC compressor while leaving the power steering pump in the original location. The power steering pump must be moved up and inward to avoid interfering with the steering shaft.

A couple of different ways to do it---
On my Mk3 I used a FORD RACING M-8511-A50/ (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-8511-A50/).

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/871046495111_0_BG.jpg?t=1295621224

It retains the die cast aluminum mount for the pump and puts the whole works where it would have been in a non-air conditioned Mustang.

Another option is an aftermaket P/S bracket. When I built Steve's Mk4 I used a polished one from CFR PERFORMANCE (http://www.cfrperformance.com/FORD_MUSTANG_5_0_POWER_STEERING_BRACKET_SET_p/hz-4306.htm) (March probably offers something very similar for 2 or 3 times the price ;)).

Here it is on the engine:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1934.jpg?t=1295537765

Compare both photos above with this one showing the OEM location. See how it is tucked in tighter and higher after relocating?

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/227959395111_0_BG.jpg

Here is another with the engine installed in the Mk4 so you can see the relationship of the new location with the steering shaft. You can probably visualize how the original pump position would conflict.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1948.jpg

Hope that helps and good luck!

Jeff

[jakester888]

Thanks Jeff - appreciate both the links & photos!

[jakester888]

Jeff - when using that CFR part you mentioned, does that work with the reversed water pump or the regular water pump? I have the reversed.

Thanks, Jake.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The bracket is compatible with your existing reverse rotation water pump and pulleys. BTW I also used a CFR alternator bracket on the Mk4 engine pictured above. I'm very pleased with their products.

Cheers,
Jeff

[AC Bill]

Jake, it looks like it's the reverse rotation pump being used on that picture that Jeff posted of the CFR bracket.
A clockwise pump could also be used, just have to reconfigure the belt routing, and change the w/pump pulley to a grooved one. That is a nice set up that CFR has.

[jakester888]

Thanks, I just placed my order for the CFR. Wasted $50 on the March. Lessons...

[AC Bill]

Put the March bracket up for sale on the forum classifieds. You can re-coup some of your money at least..:)

[jakester888]

Guys - thinking about belt size now...

My setup looks like this (thanks for the inspiration Jeff).

6036

Question : what goodyear gatorback belt size to use?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Looks like you have aftermarket pullies so with those variables I hesitate to give you a part number bacause we can't be sure it will work. Best for you to measure your setup then get a belt to fit. After the power steering pulley is installed set the alternator turnbuckle in to it's shortest setting and measure around your belt routing to determine the belt length. A cloth seamstress tape works well, or if you have the old donor belt cut it and pull it around the route and mark where the end overlaps then lay it out and measure. Just as a reference the belt I used on the engine pictured above with the CFR brackets is a Dayco 5060685. The "506" part of that number designates the belt width and rib configuration and the "0685" tells the length; in this case 68.5 inches (for example "0720" would be 72 inches long and so forth). Once you know the length head to the parts store---you have gotten friendly with the guy at the parts store, right? If not you need to ;) You aren't going to be able to just walk in and tell him an application so he'll need to be willing to work with you. You should be able to find a belt within an inch of your measurement but don't be surprised if you wind up exchanging it for one that is a little longer or shorter by the time all is said and done!

Hope that helps,
Jeff

[DMW]

Excellent info and pictures, Jeff. Also, that battery location in your last photo above has to be the best of any I've seen.