LS engine accessory problems

sambo · #1 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 06:56 AM

Hit a couple of snags tonight when fitting the VE p/steering and alternator to my L98 and hoping some Harrison owners have solved these problems.

- Power steering pulley fouls on the chassis rail that runs down diagonally from the top of the footbox to the suspension upright.

- Alternator goes in fine but the pulley (nose) is out of line with the harmonic balancer. It's about half way between the 4 grooves for the aircon belt and the 6 grooves for the serpentine belt, which is the belt it should line up with.

Has anyone had to deal with these issues? Are different brackets available from Holden?

Balancer hitting rail:

Misaligned balancer, idler and alternator (from left to right):

Sambo

Rog246 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 07:16 AM

Well Sambo, had you gone to the trouble and fitted a proper FORD engine in the thing like its supposed to have, you wouldn't have had the problem !!! LOL

sorry.....couldn't help meself.........that's what happens when you cross over to the dark side !
Rog

sambo · #3 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 07:49 AM

Yes Rog and I've given my fair share of sh1t to the boat anchor owners so I'll cop it on the chin!

stephen low · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 07:55 AM

Seems Rog beat me to that too.

All would be fixed with the fitment of a first on race day engine!!

And how's that larger but colder shed of yours going Paul? Quicker than Marty's I suspect.

Steve

sambo · #5 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 08:05 AM

Slowy, I'm hoping this thread provides some answers but what are the chances of a Harrison owner with an LS engine AND p/steering? So I'm dealing with blo0dy luddites instead!

Shed is warmer than Marty's due to roller door being down and heater on. Bar fridge is never out of reach and I can choose radio stations but there's nothing like an experienced builder within koo-ee and of course the usual drop-ins are replaced by my mates who have even LESS idea than I do - laughs all round! Having said that I've found a Harrison owner nearby and another one is dropping in Saturday to check out the diff conversion. More excuses to open beer cans...

schipps · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 03:08 PM

Paul,

I did not have that trouble with the power steering unit... I decided not to fit power steering and sold my unit to Uncle Les

Mick

Merv and Sharon · #7 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 03:25 PM

Why do you need power steering if that motor is so light?

Merv

sambo · #8 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 03:36 PM

Merv, power steering is a bit of a luxury in a cobra I must admit but it takes a lot of the kickback out of the steering rack. There were other reasons given to me at the time I was deciding but I can't remember them now.

Either way the alternator is definitely required!

Did anyone have to change the balancer over? I've seen some kits in the US where this is a requirement.

stephen low · #9 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 04:15 PM

Paul

If I remember rightly my first test motor fit saw the engine with all the goodies attached and the PS pump was one issue too I think.

I was never going to run PS but was interested to see what room I had. The Au's run large ali brackets on both sides to attach all the sundry bits to. I cut down the drivers side one at the bottom to clear the rack and dispensed with the passenger one altogether.

Now look at it, Marty's attached alt to other side and a new fitting for the tensioner. That's how it goes.

Best of luck with the tweaking.

Steve

sambo · #10 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 04:38 PM

Thanks Schipps and Slowy. Yes I think a custom bracket is in order. Alternator still has me confused. Can anyone chime in with a photo from above to show the alignment on their L76 / L98 / LS2?

Gav · #11 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 06:27 PM

Blah Blah Ford owners!
At least we can access the computers for our engine without mortgaging our homes.
And yes they are lighter, Oh and yes they make more power per dollar and yes Corrol Shelby did want a Chev in his cobra before he had to settle for second best.

sambo · #12 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 06:32 PM

I've just spoken to the good people in the States about this custom bracket, which they say locates the pump "slightly higher and closer" to the block. I'm waiting for the exact dimensions to come through and I'll make a template to see if it fits. Lateral alignment of the pulley is unchanged apparently, so it sounds promising.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=290332985076

Rebel1 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 07:41 PM

By how much does the PS pulley foul the side rail Sambo?

sambo · #14 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 07:48 PM

Mate I reckon 5-10mm but I'd need to allow more for the engine to torque up. Do they lean to the drivers or the passenger side more when revved hard? Opposite to crank direction I assume.

Rebel1 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 07:58 PM

Mate, I'm not familiar with the Harrison chassis but you may have to consider moving the Centerline of engine to the right of centerline of chassis a little.

This in itself will give you a better alignment to your diff pinion flange anyways.

Then you may also consider raising the engine height a little ... say 6mm ... by putting a 6mm shim/washer under an engine mount.

Just a couple of things to consider before you start knotching that rail.

sambo · #16 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 08:11 PM

Definitely an option Les. 5mm here, 5mm there will probably do it but we spent a bit of time getting the engine in the right spot. Shame I didn't have the p/steer bits fitted - the value of hindsight!

The diff pinion is offset to one side and is lower than the back of the gearbox so that should be OK.

stiffy · #17 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 08:40 PM

SAMBO,

Mine fitted, but is into a Daytona, I think its a bit wider (50mm).
Thats another reason to get ALL the aaccessories a the beginning so you dont get stuck down the track. Is there a difference between the crate motorr acc to the stuff you got???

STIFFY

Rebel1 · #18 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambo

Definitely an option Les. 5mm here, 5mm there will probably do it but we spent a bit of time getting the engine in the right spot. Shame I didn't have the p/steer bits fitted - the value of hindsight!

The diff pinion is offset to one side and is lower than the back of the gearbox so that should be OK.

Yep ... and the diff pinion is offset to the right so you can move the engine right a little.

Or you may get a new PS mount milled with the pump closer to the engine. The L76 PS mount is 23mm thick with 4 holes ... just have the two pump holes (the threaded ones) moved closer to centerline of the engine.

Rebel1 · #19 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 09:08 PM

Gawd Stiffy, you putting aircon in that Daytona?.

No Wonder you have a touch of gout!.

Soft living does that to you.

sambo · #20 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 09:23 PM

Stiffy, I could've just measured how wide the pump pulley would be (13.5" on diagrams I have, confirmed last night) but it never occurred to me. My Harrison engine mounts as delivered were so far out that we had to move the engine forward 50mm and about 25mm lower to get some decent clearance at the top of the tunnel. These things happen with any build and I'm sure you've had similar ones.

Les, good idea. I'll speak to Marty Govert about working some magic on the mill.

I'm actually warming to the idea of custom brackets over factory cast - bling bling!