Alternator bracket for 351

davidlee · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2003, 03:36 PM

I am in the process of finishing up a new FMS 351 for my BDR on order. I remember reading somewhere about a problem with the March pulley/bracket system. It seems to me the trouble was with the alt. bracket. Before I order the wrong thing I hope you'll can help me. This is a new FMS 351 w/aluminum heads and drivers side water pump inlet.
Thanks in advance,
David

TC Cobra · #2 (**permalink**) 12-04-2003, 04:18 PM

Hi David!

Had the same issue with my 351W.

Took me two tries but in the end, got what I wanted.

The March pieces are works of art.

Don't really know what the problem was - I clearly specified 351W, driver's side wp inlet, etc. What I got was a set for a 302 (?).

The sales guy I talked to to get it resolved was as astonished as I was but sent me the correct set right away. (Had to "negotiate" to get them to waive the second shipping charge)

Good luck!
Dwain

Tony Radford · #3 (**permalink**) 12-04-2003, 04:57 PM

It took me two tries as well, and well worth it. I agree that they do add an awful lot to the finished engine. On my first round, I received the bracket that puts the alternator below the large head bolt. The alternator interfered with the car chassis, so on the second round I specifically requested the bracket that puts the alternator above the head bolt. I'm running the GM single wire alternator, TFS heads and Edelbrock high volume water pump. You need to contact the tech department (not sales) and tell him what you've got and he'll configure up the appropriate bracket, stabilizer bar and various bolts and spacers. I did a lot of research in this area and I believe it's the best way to go.

hog · #4 (**permalink**) 12-04-2003, 05:20 PM

I also used the March brackets. They fit well but I had a problem due to the routing of my top radiator hose. I ended up machining a bracket that allows the belt tightner to clear the top radiator hose.
hog

Tony Radford · #5 (**permalink**) 12-04-2003, 05:43 PM

David, I failed to mention that there's a picture of my engine in my gallery (before installation) that shows the bracket assembly pretty well. I also should have mentioned that my upper radiator inlet (thermostat housing) is angled up 45 degrees. Even with the Coolflex hoseclamp cover, it clears the stabilizer with room to spare.