pics of modified power steering pump to alternator bracket?

[fastj14]

Does anyone have pictures of how they modified their bracket for easier exhaust manifold/header gasket changing? Is it ok to cut off the section that bolts up to the manifold completely?

[redvett01]

With out a picture and M&Y this post is usless.:-0

[someotherguy]

I'll go out on a limb and bet he means a 90-95 TBI engine where the power steering pump bracket captures the front two bolts on the driver's side exhaust manifold.

They engineered it that way for a reason, but it may possibly be overengineered due to previous problems. The earlier one piece stamped steel bracket that held all the accessories was prone to breaking at the power steering pump. The replacement cast aluminum two piece unit is a lot stronger, but has that annoying stamped metal bracket on the power steering that always seems in the way when you need to work in that area.

I'll admit I've cut one in the past, didn't like doing it, haven't done it since - but over probably 40K or more miles never had any trouble with it. Your results may vary...

Richard

[redvett01]

Originally Posted by someotherguy

I'll go out on a limb and bet he means a 90-95 TBI engine where the power steering pump bracket captures the front two bolts on the driver's side exhaust manifold.

They engineered it that way for a reason, but it may possibly be overengineered due to previous problems. The earlier one piece stamped steel bracket that held all the accessories was prone to breaking at the power steering pump. The replacement cast aluminum two piece unit is a lot stronger, but has that annoying stamped metal bracket on the power steering that always seems in the way when you need to work in that area.

I'll admit I've cut one in the past, didn't like doing it, haven't done it since - but over probably 40K or more miles never had any trouble with it. Your results may vary...

Richard

The point of my post was for people to give us some information.

[someotherguy]

I wasn't trying to argue with you so no need to take offense. Yes he should provide some info as it would help. But instead of a bunch of back and forth, I'll take the guess based on what power steering bracket setup he might possibly want to cut in order to deal with exhaust manifold gaskets. If I was wrong, it wouldn't be the first time, but if I'm right, the question gets answered sooner.

Richard

[redvett01]

Originally Posted by someotherguy

I wasn't trying to argue with you so no need to take offense. Yes he should provide some info as it would help. But instead of a bunch of back and forth, I'll take the guess based on what power steering bracket setup he might possibly want to cut in order to deal with exhaust manifold gaskets. If I was wrong, it wouldn't be the first time, but if I'm right, the question gets answered sooner.

Richard

Richard, We had a good assumption on what he was talking about but not everyone does and i hate to guess. The bracket in question was at the time used to stop vibrations and noise but the aluminum bracket system cut down 99% of the noise and vibrations. If he cuts the bracket he will hear more noise and vibration.

[fastj14]

Sorry for the lack of info, Richard was correct though, this is on a 90 tbi 350, the truck in my avator. Thanks for the help man.

[355tbi]

I have cut that bracket for header installation. It actually said to modify it in the instructions for the headers. It also came with a small spacer to reuse the front bolt. Basically just cut off the back side and keep the front part. It was a pain in the butt. So I got out the cut off wheel and a die grinder and cut the rest off and made a bracket out of a piece of angle iron, bolt it to the bracket and to the front stud for the header with the spacer. It always seemed to work good, ran it for a long time and now I am about to put it in my new to me truck. If I remember I will take a pic of it tomorrow.

[fastj14]

Hey thanks, I was actually wondering too if I could cut that bracket off and not use the blots on the manifold. It seems plenty stiff enough to support the back of the alternator.

Also, has anyone had problems once their manifold cools down getting all the bolts back in and lined up after removing it? What do you do there? I thought about getting some studs and sliding the manifold back over them? Thanks for the help.

[someotherguy]

The easiest way to re-install them is to get an exhaust manifold spreader. It's kind of like a turnbuckle that you put between the runners and crank with wrenches to move them apart. It beats crossthreading the bolts or tearing up the threads trying to get them started.



Lisle Tool makes one for about $12 and you can find Lisle at most GOOD auto parts stores, like the independent ones, and some tool supply companies.

Richard

[KevinL1987]

I have the same setup he's talking about except its on my 87 305 carb'd engine. I cut the piece he's talking about off, and didn't notice any difference.

[fastj14]

Thanks for the replies guys, KevinL1987 do you have any pictures of your bracket?

[KevinL1987]

Originally Posted by fastj14

Thanks for the replies guys, KevinL1987 do you have any pictures of your bracket?

Not right now. Soon as I get my camera back from my fiance's mom, I will take pics of it for you.