Hey what part on my alternator do i have to grind to get it to work with regular sbc centerbolt valve covers??

 

Trial and error with my aluminum covers. I didn't need to take off a whole lot to get them to fit.

Frank

 

search this forum there is a link floating around that shows exactly what needs to be removed

 

Ya I looked couldnt find it again.

 

You'll figure it out, grind whatever is in the way

 

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...d+valve+covers

 

good find, i missed it in my search for it

 

I think the best way to do it is to modify the valve cover not the alternator. I did grind my alternator to make it fit, but I ended up modifying the valve cover in the end. I wish I had not messed with the alternator (even though it worked out ok)

Here are a few reasons:

1) If your alternator ever goes out, you will not be able to use the old "grinded" one as a core (probably ~$40 extra)

2) If you get any shavings in the alternator you can ruin it. There is almost no way to avoid getting some shavings in there. I took mine apart when I was done and blew it out with compressed air. Mine is still working fine but there was a lot of shavings in it.

3) When your alternator eventually does go out, you will have to grind the new one. If the valve cover is already modified swapping out an alternator will only take 10 minutes. If you have to grind the new one it will take longer (and remember you could ruin the new alternator and not be allowed to return it because the back is grinded up.)


I got some valve covers like these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=34202

any competent machine shop (or a buddy with a tig welder) can mill one end of and then weld to pieces in to make a spot to clear the alternator. If you take in your original valve cover, they can use it as a referance for how big they need to make the notch. You could have a modified valve cover that looks great for less than $150.

Just my 2 cents after going through this to put aftermarket valve covers on my car.

Dustin

 

Dustin, Did you take any pictures of your modified valve cover?

Mike

 

that was so helpful thanks for the links i missed it in my search too.