derekstl

iTrader: (2)

Hey Guys,

So I bought the Proform 141-131 valve covers for my LT1 and just tried installing them tonight. I ground down the "ear" on the backside of the alternator as many have suggested and was on the DIYSRC tutorial, but the clearance doesnt seem to be right. It will now clear that notch on the topside, but the whole back of the alternator seems to be hitting the side of the valve cover now. No amount of grinding will prevent that. I was able to squeeze the alternator in and bolt it up, but I believe it is touching the backside of alt and side of VC. Is this a concern? If it rubs with the vibration of the motor, is it really going to cause any problems? Wanted to get your thoughts.

steveo_

i'd recommend denting the valve cover slightly at the interference point. you just need enough clearance where it's not touching anymore.

BALLSS

I have read you can pull the two case halves apart of the alt and rotate the back on so the recessed part of it lands where the VC is giving more clearance.

use a paper clip to hold the brushes in place when you pull the halves apart. There is a small hole in back of alt for the paper clip. if you can't get paper clip in before you pull the halves apart than just use it once apart to hold in the brushes before assembly

lt1-xjs

I wouldn't recommend it, they are cast aluminum.

derekstl

iTrader: (2)

Yeah I dont really feel comfortable trying to modify the valve covers. I tried to pull the alternator apart, took the four long bolts off, but still couldnt get the halves to separate. Any recommendations? I didnt want to get too agressive and destroy the thing on accident. Does the bolt for the pulley need to come off?

BALLSS

The bolt for pulley does not need to come off. Just tap with a rubber mallet around alt. The two halves should separate

lt1-xjs

Try loosening the valve cover and moving it back slightly.

94_LT1_TransAm

That wont work, when I bought my Trans Am these same valve covers were on the engine and the Previous owner used a bolt with washers to fit the alt to the alt bracket by pinching the alt mounting ear to the alt bracket on the engine IIRC I read on a site that sells this same valve cover and it states that these are not fit on the LT1 anyway. There is a company that makes tall valve covers with the alt pocket made into them like the stock ones are for these cars.

lt1-xjs

Well now, I don't understand. I have the same set on mine the 141-131 that I put on over 15 years ago. Although mine is a 1993 engine.

Cajun ELESS-ONE

i just ground down the back of the alternator till it didnt rub. just do alittle at a time

BALLSS

by "clocking" the rear 1/2 of the Alt case so the recessed part is positioned against the aftermarket valve cover has worked.

derekstl

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys,

Just wanted to let you know I messed around with this today, grinded down the case more, adjusted the position of the alternator, tried to position the valve cover further back, and now I have just barely enough clearance. Thanks for the help guys.

Dirty_Bird

If you wanna get more clearance, buy an impala hub and space the accessory bracket out a 1/2 inch with washers

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

Did you have any issues with leaks, during that time? I bought a set of them, took them into work, and milled down the front of the RH cover, to clear the alternator. I then had a friend weld in a "cover piece", to fill in where I milled it.

I installed the covers, "snugged" the bolts, and a few days later, noticed they were seeping oil, and the gasket interface. Snugged the bolts again, they leaked again, after a few days of driving. Snugged the bolts a third time, they leaked again, and at this point, I noticed that the tops of the covers, both of them, were "bowing" inward......in other words, beginning to collapse, as they have no internal bracing, and they're not all that thick.

I removed them, and chalked them up as an expensive lesson.

Dirty_Bird

Friend could have put to much heat into the covers when welding and warped them

lt1-xjs

I've never had leak or fitment issue. They have been off 3 times for rocker changes and I reused the gaskets every time. Also replaced the alt once, ground it down like the first one and bolted it on.