Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

corvette front drive alternator placement issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 14, 2013 | 02:14 AM
  #1  
sprayed99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: DFW....TX
Default corvette front drive alternator placement issue

Okay guys here is the issue.

I have to run the corvette balancer, LS7 waterpump, and tensioner because I have zero room in my 32 Ford. I have the kwikperformance high mount bracket and I hate it!!! I need the alternator down where the F-body alternator is.

How can I get this to work???






Also some have said I can cut a camaro bracket down, but I'm using a truck block that does not the 2 of the holes that are needed to do this. One hole I can drill and tap no problem but the third hole is not possible.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2013 | 11:16 PM
  #2  
sprayed99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: DFW....TX
Default

So... no one ran a low mount alternator with the vette stuff???
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2013 | 11:34 PM
  #3  
1981TA's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 5
From: Saint John, IN
Default

Maybe you can try making something out of aluminum or steel plate, or get an fbody bracket, I guess. Or figure out a way to place the alternator low in the passenger side, where the AC pump usually goes.
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2013 | 05:39 AM
  #4  
Pop N Wood's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,402
Likes: 8
Default

If you do a search there are probably a thousand threads on how to drill and tap the block for the F body alternator bracket.

The only difference between the F body and vette accessories is the vette stuff runs the belt 3/4 of and inch closer to the block. So all you need to do is mill down an F body alt bracket to bring it closer to the block. You lose the back bracket, but most guys do with out one anyway. This Holley link give dimensions

http://www.holley.com/data/Products/...10605rev11.pdf

Or, if you are interested, I have a F body bracket that I had machined for the vette spacing but then couldn't use cause the alternator interfered with my steering gear. PM me if you are interested and I will let you have it cheap.

I see why you want to move the alt. That mounting makes it the most prominent thing on your otherwise beautiful motor.
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2013 | 08:39 AM
  #5  
gofastwclass's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 28
From: KCMO
Default

Originally Posted by Pop N Wood
That mounting makes it the most prominent thing on your otherwise beautiful motor.
So true!
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2013 | 12:32 PM
  #6  
sprayed99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: DFW....TX
Default

Yeah the top mount bracket was an impulse buy and when I got it I wanted to punch myself repeatedly.... I'm still butt sore about that... Oh well ...live and learn.

I have a buddy that has one of those billet MSD alternators and I may try to see if that will fit. I have access to a mill so making something isn't hard... other than finding the time.

The vega box is coming out in favor of a unisteer crosslink steering system and that should allow me a bit more room.

I may shoot you a pm about that milled bracket.
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2013 | 06:46 PM
  #7  
sprayed99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: DFW....TX
Default

After tinkering for a bit I decided to make my own bracket.

This pic shows the mock up bracket cut out of .080" 5052 aluminum. I'm going in the morning to a friedns shop to cut it out of 3/8th 6061.

Thoughts? Also the idler will be at the top between the 2 mounting bolts basically a mirror of the tensioner pulley.

Reply
Old Mar 17, 2013 | 06:58 PM
  #8  
Stormed_Norm's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
Default

GTO stuff won't work?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 17, 2013 | 08:22 PM
  #9  
sprayed99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: DFW....TX
Default

Originally Posted by Stormed_Norm
GTO stuff won't work?
Have no idea. Why in the world I just toss all the brand new parts I have for GTO stuff???? I obviously have my solution.
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2013 | 05:28 AM
  #10  
Pop N Wood's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,402
Likes: 8
Default

That looks massively better than the old set up. You obviously have some skills.

With an idler up near the top are you at all worried about belt wrap on the alternator and crank pulley? You will run a pretty light load turning just the alt and WP but from that angle it seems like you are getting the alt farther down than pretty much any other set up I have seen.
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2013 | 09:48 AM
  #11  
1981TA's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 5
From: Saint John, IN
Default

Originally Posted by Pop N Wood
That looks massively better than the old set up. You obviously have some skills.

With an idler up near the top are you at all worried about belt wrap on the alternator and crank pulley? You will run a pretty light load turning just the alt and WP but from that angle it seems like you are getting the alt farther down than pretty much any other set up I have seen.
I agree. Well done. Let's hope there's no slippage - without a PS pump on there, it's a fairly good bet he'll be alright. If slippage does occur, it *might* be compensated for by adding an idler pully, like on the LS7 front drive, (see pic below-pulley beneath the PS reservoir), OR raising the alternator a bit to the PS pump position to avoid belt to belt contact. Just a thought. My suggested alternator position might be a bit wide for Sprayed99's intended fitment.

Reply
Old Mar 18, 2013 | 10:38 AM
  #12  
lizeec's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (57)
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 753
Likes: 20
Default

Well I'll be the stick in the mud, IMO it looks better than before but not by much, it still seems to be the first thing that sticks out like a sore thumb and will stick out more once you place the idler on there.
As mentioned before by Pop Wood I think I would try his milled down F-Body bracket, or with your machine shop skills just copy the F-Body bracket as Pop Wood said with 3/4 less back spacing, it appears you have sufficient clearance from the looks of your pictures of the alternator mounted with your bracket.
On your truck block there should only be (1) hole that needs to be drilled and tapped on your block, as said earlier it has been discussed on this forum with numerous threads on drill bit sizes and tap sizes needed.
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2013 | 11:02 AM
  #13  
Turtle Bite's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: WA
Default

I am suprised no one has mentioned the CTS-V Alternator/ bracket. It shares the same spacing/ beltline as the Covette, yet is low mount similar to a 98-02 Camaro. The GTO was mentioned but it shares the same beltline as the 98-02 f-body, not any better IMO. Sounds like you are on your way to a sloution though.
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2013 | 11:32 AM
  #14  
jlynch799's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Default

Ive used this one and it works good and takes up a small area.

http://www.cbrperformanceproducts.co...p/06072011.htm
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2013 | 11:41 AM
  #15  
Pop N Wood's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,402
Likes: 8
Default

The CTS pics look pretty good. Looks like the alt is unique to the CTS. Can't beat the price Nook and Tranny has for that bracket either ($36) BUT looks like you will give that all back if you need to buy the alternator ($343).

http://www.nookandtranny.com/mm5/mer...Category_Code=
http://www.nookandtranny.com/mm5/mer...Category_Code=






Reply
Old Mar 19, 2013 | 06:12 PM
  #16  
sprayed99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: DFW....TX
Default

Originally Posted by Pop N Wood
That looks massively better than the old set up. You obviously have some skills.

With an idler up near the top are you at all worried about belt wrap on the alternator and crank pulley? You will run a pretty light load turning just the alt and WP but from that angle it seems like you are getting the alt farther down than pretty much any other set up I have seen.
The location is the exact same as the f-body. In fact I already drilled and tapped the missing hole in the block.
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2013 | 06:14 PM
  #17  
sprayed99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: DFW....TX
Default

Originally Posted by lizeec
Well I'll be the stick in the mud, IMO it looks better than before but not by much, it still seems to be the first thing that sticks out like a sore thumb and will stick out more once you place the idler on there.
As mentioned before by Pop Wood I think I would try his milled down F-Body bracket, or with your machine shop skills just copy the F-Body bracket as Pop Wood said with 3/4 less back spacing, it appears you have sufficient clearance from the looks of your pictures of the alternator mounted with your bracket.
On your truck block there should only be (1) hole that needs to be drilled and tapped on your block, as said earlier it has been discussed on this forum with numerous threads on drill bit sizes and tap sizes needed.
You may think so, but remember the idler location actually mirrors the tensioner so I guess if you don't like the look the tensioner needs to be changed too????

The other thing many forget is with the grille and radiator in place the only portion of the engine you will see is the top. You wont be able to see the front. I can snap a quick pic with the shell to give you an idea.
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2013 | 06:27 PM
  #18  
sprayed99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: DFW....TX
Default

Originally Posted by 1981TA
I agree. Well done. Let's hope there's no slippage - without a PS pump on there, it's a fairly good bet he'll be alright. If slippage does occur, it *might* be compensated for by adding an idler pully, like on the LS7 front drive, (see pic below-pulley beneath the PS reservoir), OR raising the alternator a bit to the PS pump position to avoid belt to belt contact. Just a thought. My suggested alternator position might be a bit wide for Sprayed99's intended fitment.

Here is a quick look at the belt routing... I know I need to get another belt... well and a ribbed idler.

I have no idea why it would slip the way the belt routing will be.


Reply
Old Mar 19, 2013 | 06:39 PM
  #19  
sprayed99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: DFW....TX
Default

Sorry for the crap pictures. I found the nikon for some better pics.

Here is the grille just sitting on the fram but you get the idea.






Now if the first thing you see is my bracket you obviously have a problem LOL.

Last edited by sprayed99; Mar 19, 2013 at 07:19 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2013 | 07:14 PM
  #20  
sprayed99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: DFW....TX
Default

Originally Posted by jlynch799
Ive used this one and it works good and takes up a small area.

http://www.cbrperformanceproducts.co...p/06072011.htm
Yes since that is such a great low mount option... WTF?

Not trying to bust your *****, but damn man did you even read the thread?
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:55 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE