Smaller alternator?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 130
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From: Cherry Valley, Ca
Smaller alternator? I may have to notch my crossmember for the alternator, and I really don't want to do that. Is there a comparable alternator that is smaller in diameter and maybe shorter? I can make my own bracket, so I am not really worried about that, but I am concerned if it will function with the factory pcm. Any ideas?
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,148
Likes: 12
From: Downers Grove, IL
You do not necessarily have to interface the PCM with the alternator. Since you are talking about crossmember clearance I am guessing that you are using f-body brackets. If it is a 98 PCM it does not interface with the alt at all. If it is 99+ at the most you would have to have a couple of codes deleted. As long as the alternator is big enough to keep the battery charged the PCM will be happy. I don`t have any recommendations for a smaller alt. How about switching to truck accys? that would move the alt to the top and the PS pump to the bottom. The PS pump is shorter and should fit. If you have hood clearance that might be a solution.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 130
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From: Cherry Valley, Ca
Thanks, G-body. I just bought the f-body brackets because I hate the alternator being up high, so if I have to notch the crossmember, so be it. The engine compartment has to look clean, at all costs, you know? 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,148
Likes: 12
From: Downers Grove, IL
Originally Posted by cvman
The engine compartment has to look clean, at all costs, you know?
There was no way for me to use a different size pulley anywhere, but I figured I could probably just add another idler...............decided there were too many compromises, so I will be pulling the motor out in a couple weeks to notch the k member . Oh well at least it will make the cam swap easier 
Moral of the story:
Don`t take a shortcut on the first time, or you`ll kick yourself later
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 130
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From: Cherry Valley, Ca
That's why I am trying to convince the wife to pad the coffer a little more I don't want those headaches after the fact. I know that more money spent now equals less problems in the future. Is that what the crossmember under the engine is called, the K member, or is that only for your body?
I don't want those headaches after the fact. I know that more money spent now equals less problems in the future. Is that what the crossmember under the engine is called, the K member, or is that only for your body? Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,148
Likes: 12
From: Downers Grove, IL
On all the full frame cars/trucks the crossmember under the engine is called the K member (I guess it does kinda resemble the shape of a K laid down probably where the name came from?)
On unibody cars they just call it a subframe.
On unibody cars they just call it a subframe.
