Alternator Brackets

OhBuoy · #1 (**permalink**) 08-27-2002, 03:21 PM

My alternator is on the drivers side of the engine. Per someone's advice, I cut off the bottom of the bracket, and it clears the steering components and everything else nicely. The only thing is, I am looking at this bulky choped off peice of aluminum, and am thinking, a March bracket sure would be nice. Unfortunately, it looks like all of the March Brackets put the alternator on the passenger side of the engine. Wont this change the direction of my water pump? Wont the alternator be running in reverse?

OK, I just did the drawing on paper, and nothing will run in reverse, so what are the disadvantages to mounting it on the drivers side?

Jack21 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2002, 03:35 PM

You must just like being different.

Steering shaft must go just over header, and jus under alternator. And you have to be able to get to lower radiator hose outlet. But everything turns in the same direction.

Now if you're going to try to install power steering, it may get a little dicey.

OhBuoy · #3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2002, 04:05 PM

What do you mean that I must like being different? That is where the engine builder put the alternator, I am assuming that is where it goes. Should it be on passengers side, is that what you are saying? I never have an intent of running air or power steering, so that is not an issue. What should I do???

Jim Werth · #4 (**permalink**) 08-27-2002, 07:46 PM

Mines on the passenger side and sits up high. I've seen another B+B that had the alternator down low near the crank pulley. Its all your choice where you put it. As long as it lines up with the other pulleys their should be no problem. Jim

Clois Harlan · #5 (**permalink**) 08-30-2002, 09:38 AM

Mine is on the passenger side as well. If your wiring comes up through your firewall and over your right side of the manifold it sure looks a lot neater. In fact I can't recall seeing anyone else mount their alternator on the drivers side before.

If you do choose to move your distributor now you may need to re-clock the distributor in order to get your connections on the top of the distributor.

Clois

OhBuoy · #6 (**permalink**) 09-01-2002, 02:32 PM

How/why would I move the distributor?

Jack21 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-01-2002, 03:33 PM

Just pulling your chain. No offense.

Most alts on pass side. Alt on mine on pass side, PS pump on driver side.

It really doesn't make any difference where you mount it, so long as it firs, and works, and pulleys line up. Has nothing to do with rotation or speed. March pulleys work great, but use the street rod ratio, not the HP ratio for street driving. Cools the motor better at street and highway RPM.

OhBuoy · #8 (**permalink**) 09-08-2002, 07:49 AM

Okay, I am not the only odd ball out there because B&B's demo has the alternator in the same spot, and a couple pics in their build CD show the same bracket. My builder used a Lincoln accessory bracket, which I needed to cut the Power Steering portion off of. This thing has to be a 20-30 lb hunk of ugly aluminum. I am thinking of moving the alternator to the passenger side. I bought the March Bracket set, and it puts the tensioner in line with the upper radiator hose. What brackets are you guys using? Where did you put your coil (mine will interfere with the alternator where it is mounted on the heads now).

Looking for input.

Tom

dgcomps · #9 (**permalink**) 09-10-2002, 07:33 PM

On page VIII of the Ford Racing Parts Catalog, there is an alternator bracket with the adjuster that will make your alternator fit on the passenger side above the water pump. I went to a bone yard and got my brackets from a 1978 LTD with a 351W. I ended up using a March adjusting bracket because the one from the LTD was hitting the frame of my B&B Cobra.

The bigger problem I had was finding the right pulleys.

Let me know if you need any extra help.

OhBuoy · #10 (**permalink**) 09-11-2002, 07:42 PM

Which March bracket did you end up using? Where does it put your alternator at? Any pictures of your engine setup?

Also, where is the best place to get the FRP catalog without paying a huge sum for shipping?

Tom

dgcomps · #11 (**permalink**) 09-13-2002, 07:05 PM

After I signed off, I thought about two other catalogs that would be of great use. You should check the Summit and National Parts Depot catalogs. Contact NPD @ 1800-521-6104. They specialize in early Mustang components and have a great selection of parts. They are also very helpful. I found that repo 351 alternator brackets just don't work all that well. I have worked on 302 brackets and they work just fine. My alternator is located on the passenger side on top of the engine compartment.

The bracket setup I ordered from March did not fit and could only use the turnbuckle to tighten the belt. I am using a 40" serpintine belt and it works great!

I'll find the type of pulleys I used and write you back.

Dave

JGlover · #12 (**permalink**) 11-02-2002, 11:28 AM

I used the mustang aluminum bracket, but I cut off all of the excess with a cut off wheel and the cheap alt upper bracket from summit. Then I mounted a Chevy alt.

It bolted right up using a 1" spcer on the bottom. That way I don't have to worry about fire problems I've read about.