3.7 470 alternator conversion / brackets measurements write up

[matthysone]

I decided it was time to do the alternator conversion on my 470 (serial #5641951). I looked at different pictures of how others had done this themselves to save some $$ and decided on the high mount method as I don't have p/s. I started by taking some measurements. In the above pic I will be using the timing cover bolts above the 20 and 14.25 mark and the open threaded hole above the 16.5 mark. This threaded hole above the 16.5 mark is the center point of the conversion project as the alternator will pivot here on a long 3/8" all thread or readi rod and all the other brackets land here as well to support the alternator.There is another bracket used to tension the belt that doesn't land here. (I needed longer bolts, a 5/16x3" bolt at the 20" mark and a 5/16x2.5" at the 14.5 mark and another 5/16x2.5 for attaching the belt tensioner bracket).


This pic shows the bolt location just to the left of the 2" mark that the belt tensioner bracket will be mounted to. Also the coil will have to be relocted up by the valve cover sharing a valve cover bolt.


The coolant reservoir tank and mount will have to be relocated. The two small hoses were long enough to relocate it to the rear and port side of the engine.



Critical measurement here of 4.5". I screwed in a temporary stud into the pivot hole(shown at the 15.5 mark) mentioned with the first pic and measured to each of the timing cover bolts that will be used. The other critical measurement is 3.625 (3-5/8) back to the other timing chain cover bolt.

 

[matthysone]

Re: 3.7 470 alternator conversion / brackets measurements write up


This pic shows the critical measurement of 3.625" (3-5/8")


The relocated coil. I had to grind down the gold bracket so that it fit in to the space of the valve cover so as to share the valve cover bolt. Did not have to do any changes to the wiring.


This pic is a step ahead but to show what I'm aiming to accomplish with the brackets all centering on that pivot all thread bolt. The two brackets to the right, one straight and the other dog legged over, meet on the pivot bolt 2" apart. This 2" gap is where the alternator will fit in between. I used a generic marine rated Delco 10SI alternator. The dog legged bracket was cut 1/2" longer than its straight mating bracket with two 45 degree bends. Remember the critical 4.5" measurement? If you drill these on the easy straight piece first, once you get your 2nd piece bent it is fairly easy then to line up the holes across from each other so that you can then drill the holes in the dog legged bracket. I drilled 3/8" holes.


If you recall from the first post, the bolt located at the 20" mark is where two of the brackets will bolt to. I used 1/4"x1" stainless steel strap to make my brackets as I had it available. I would have preferred to use a thinner 3/16x1 if I had had it.


This pic shows where the third bracket bolts to although it is not shown bolted yet. This is the bracket with the 3.625. hole measurement.

More to come...............................

 

[matthysone]

Re: 3.7 470 alternator conversion / brackets measurements write up

Hmmm? Moved to Non-Repair section? I guess it is a project but a project to "repair" a faulty 470 charging system. Can't say I've ever spent time in this section.

I guess I'll wait to see if there is any interest in my write up thus far.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: 3.7 470 alternator conversion / brackets measurements write up

I read until I got bored (most of the first post).
What is your question? Or are you just posting what you intend to do and how you are doing it.

 

[matthysone]

Re: 3.7 470 alternator conversion / brackets measurements write up


Sorry Commander Biffle. This is only a write up for those that plan to tackle the alternator conversion with the end result of something similar to this picture. I agree it could be quite boring unless you are looking to do this project.


The above pics are of the same bracket with the 3.625" hole spacing. Notice the slight bend in the bracket. As this is the first bracket to be slid onto the all thread, it is bent to help tuck it behind the next slid on bracket


I made this bushing 2.75" long out of pipe to go onto the all thread first in the space between the engine head and the first bracket, first bracket being the previous picture.


In this picture I had to shim out the bracket a 1/4" from the timing chain cover due to the casting in the cover using washers.

 

[matthysone]

Re: 3.7 470 alternator conversion / brackets measurements write up



The above series of pictures shows my first dry fitting and the lack of movement or pivot due to the square corners of my brackets hitting the housing of the alternator. The brackets were modified as shown to allow clearance so that they did not contact the alternator housing as shown in the last picture.

 

[matthysone]

Re: 3.7 470 alternator conversion / brackets measurements write up


This shows my 2nd attempt at making a bracket for belt tensioning. It's close to a 90 degree bend (maybe 70?). My first prototype curved to gradual and hit the alternator housing. I jigged up the 1/4"x1" strap metal, heated it greatly and bent the curve into it. To make the slot I drilled a hole and then used a carbide bit in a die grinder to cut out the slot.


A reference picture to help in making this part.



The bracket has to also be bent as shown in the picture. There is a 1.5" dog leg between the the two bends.


Tensioner bracket shown mounted to the alternator.


More or less done in this picture. Will still have to cut off excess all thread rod and of course complete the wiring of this 3 wire alternator.

I bought the 10SI marine alternator from ebay for $69 free shipping. I had the metal and 3/8 all thread on hand. Also a trip to ACE hardware for the three 5/16 bolts.

I did this write up to help others looking to do the 470 alternator conversion. I looked all over the internet for actual bracket measurements or templates without success.

Please let me know if you found this helpful or if you have any questions I can help with.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: 3.7 470 alternator conversion / brackets measurements write up

This is only a write up for those that plan to tackle the alternator conversion with the end result of something similar to this picture.

Got it. Thanks

 

[toms26t]

Re: 3.7 470 alternator conversion / brackets measurements write up

A project I will be doing soon, Thanks for how you did it Matt.

 

[mr 88]

Just got through using your specs. Make sure you compensate for the off set differences depending on thickness of steel if different than 1/4" I used 3/16" as suggested then used your offset number. I ended up about 1/4 out to far with the alternator pulley. The easiest thing to do at that point was to saw off the end of the alternator long tube-part that the 7" hanging stud goes through- the mold on the rear looked like it was made to be cut. Works great thank for the write up.