LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Alternator for tall Valve Covers

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Old Mar 2, 2009 | 03:42 PM
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Alternator for tall Valve Covers

So we put roller rockers and tall valve covers on the LT-1 and now the alternator doesn't fit.
Anyone know the right alternator to use or other solution to fix this problem.
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 03:55 PM
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I have heard of people grinding the alternator down to make them fit. Do a search, I am pretty sure sombody has pictures.
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 05:06 PM
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Thanks
I found what I was looking for.
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 05:30 PM
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Originally Posted by 2cub49
So we put roller rockers and tall valve covers on the LT-1 and now the alternator doesn't fit.
Anyone know the right alternator to use or other solution to fix this problem.
What valve covers did you end up using? There are several LT1-specific varieties that are notched for alternator clearance. If you're using standard center-bolt valve covers no amount of grinding on the alternator is going to get them to fit without ruining your alternator.

You also have the option of relocating the alternator to the A/C compressor location. Madman makes a relocation kit, but it's a bit pricey.
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 05:41 PM
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I'm not sure.
My mechanic got them.
I can find out tomorrow.
Can you tell me who makes the LT-1 specific ones?
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 2cub49
I'm not sure.
My mechanic got them.
I can find out tomorrow.
Can you tell me who makes the LT-1 specific ones?
Canton makes a nice set. There's also a vendor named fatrodder on eBay that sells a nice polished aluminum cover. Both are notched for alternator clearance.
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 06:46 PM
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The Cantons need a little "percussion maintenance" to get them to clear ProMags, nothing severe.
They do however clear the alternator without issue.
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 10:09 AM
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We're going to try a smaller diameter stock alternator similar to this for a 96 Impala 5.7L as mentioned in a search post.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...%3AIT&viewitem

My mechanic can return it if it doesn't fit.
I'll let the board know if it works
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 10:18 AM
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Old Mar 3, 2009 | 05:31 PM
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Ok,
The valve covers we have are the Jegs inhouse polished aluminum.
My mechanic cut a notch similar to the Cantons, leaving about an inch in height as well as using the small diameter alternator.
The Canton notch goes all the way to the bottom but we left the inch on the Jegs cover to retain it's sealing integrity and welded it up with 1/8" aluminum plate while bolted to an extra scrap head.
We decided to do this because the Cantons are 200.00
plus shipping and time and may have not cleared the roller rockers we used, whereas the alternator is 105.00
and welding up the Jegs cover is no big deal for my mechanic who builds his own race cars.
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 07:54 PM
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Pics?
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 08:14 PM
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I'll get some tomorrow.
He cut the notch but hasn't actually welded it up yet.
Old Mar 4, 2009 | 08:26 AM
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Here's the work so far.
The taper notched valve cover was fitted on the car to clear the rockers and the alternator was test installed to make sure it would all fit together
before welding up the cover.
Should be done in a day or 2 but I may not get a picture of the finished notched cover as my mechanic doesn't waste any time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...9/103_0912.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...9/103_0913.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...9/103_0919.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...9/103_0926.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...9/103_0927.jpg
Old Mar 4, 2009 | 09:14 AM
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That would be painfull to see my new valve covers cut like that. Hope it works!
Old Mar 4, 2009 | 09:25 AM
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It will work as it's all been fitted and with the alternator installed you won't even notice it.
I'll post some pics when it's finished.



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