Engine Build Question

[azbruin]

My engine builder thinks the stock alternator location is too high. I spoke to FF and they insist it is fine. What have others done?

[michael everson]

Too high based on what? To clear the body? Its fine in its stock location, but can be easily moved lower with many of the aftermarket brackets that vendors sell on this site.
Mike

[azbruin]

I believe he was worried about clearing the hood mostly but also just doesn't like the look. One of his employees had just brought him a different aftermarket bracket this evening and he is going to try that in the morning.

[Gumball]

Depends on your front cover and what brackets you're using. Here's mine. The engine is a '94 SVT Cobra 5.0 liter that is now a carb'd 347 with an early front cover, v-belt accessory drive, and late model standard rotation waterpump. Because of the mix-and-match nature of these parts, the upper bracket is something I fabricated out of aluminum plate and the lower bracket is a 351 Cleveland part that I re-bent and cut down to fit this application. The alternator sits nice and low in what is just about the stock location for an early small block.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/img_4363.jpg

[edwardb]

You don't mention engine specifics, but March Performance 30355 bracket kit is perfect for my SBF 306.

During build-up:
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Engine%20Overhaul/th_IMG_1361.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Engine%20Overhaul/?action=view&current=IMG_1361.jpg)

Engine installed:
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Engine%20Overhaul/th_IMG_1378.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Engine%20Overhaul/?action=view&current=IMG_1378.jpg)

[Someday I Suppose]

Alternator position shouldn't be an issue at all with the hood. Though if you decide you want to run a 427 style expansion tank, then you will want to move the alternator to the lower position. I agree with your engine builder BTW, the lower position just looks right to me. As do the three pully v-groove belt set-up Gumball posted.

[rich grsc]

Edwardb, do you have many miles on your car? I was wondering if you have any heating issues? The large water pump pulley should turn your pump slower, and didnt know if at idle it was a problem or not.

[edwardb]

Edwardb, do you have many miles on your car? I was wondering if you have any heating issues? The large water pump pulley should turn your pump slower, and didnt know if at idle it was a problem or not.

Interesting... That pulley was on the engine when I bought it, and never questioned whether it was the right diameter or not. Did a complete overhaul, and put the same pulley back on. To answer your question, a little under 500 miles since finishing my build last fall. No overheating issues so far, although haven't seen much hot weather yet. I'm using a 192 degree thermostat, and the temp is usually 190 - 200. I just measured, and looks like it's around 6.750 diameter. I'm using an Edelbrock water pump, which is supposedly higher flow than stock. I'll keep an eye on it, but seems like all is OK.

[AJ Roadster NJ]

I moved mine down just for aesthetics, I liked it better this way. Kind of a pain in the butt to accomplish in a way that I felt was clean looking though. I started with a March kit but did a whole lot of adapting, custom spacer cuts, and weird bolts (one was a 6.25 hex bolt, where a 6.00 was too short and a 6.5 would have bottomed out in the head). I had to get the bolt from McMaster Carr.

8359

In the end though, I'm very happy with it. I wanted the clean look of one single v-belt for the drive. Went with a chrome one-wire alternator to finish off the look.

AJ

[riptide motorsport]

Wow AJ, I must say..very very nice!