1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Good morning everyone!

Does anyone have any pictures of the proper alternator setup for a 1967 Chevy 327 with no A/C or powersteering? My K20 had a motor from a 68 chevelle or other car at some point grafted into it. My water pump pulley (short pump) is a dual groove pulley that is not correct as far as I know. My 327 has no accessory holes in the heads and I am running what I think is the stock rams horns manifolds with the mounting bolt holes that face foward. The challenge that I have is that the alternator pulley doesn't seem to line up with the water pump and crank pulley. It is off by about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch. Additionally, the upper brace doesn't have enough travel in it to properly adjust the belt tension. Also, the alternator only has a small amount it can move forward due to the valve cover. Can anyone shed some light on this?


Thanks, Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Interesting. What you have in your photos looks just like the setup in my 67 with stock 283. I'd guess the setup would be the same since you have the short water pump. I can get some photos of mine if you would like.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

If you could, that would be helpful. I would imagine that the 283 and the 327 were the same mounting-wise. Also, on yours, does the lower bracket that attaches to the water pump do so with a stud or with a bolt. When I use just a bolt, it looks like it makes the bracket slightly cockeyed. I am wondering if that is the problem with my pulley alignment?? If there was a stud there in place of the bolt, then it would push the bracket out by 3/16" or so. I have been looking on the internet for pictures, and I see that some used bolts and some used studs.


Thanks, Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

I don't know if this is helpful but I bought mine from Alan Grove.

https://alangrovecomponents.com/index.htm

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

These are interesting....If I can't figure out the alignment issue, then maybe this is the route to go.

Thanks!
Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

As far as the alternator belt issue, you could get a shorter belt or shorten the adjustment arm and re drill it.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

The problem is that I would actually need to lengthen the upper brace. I only have about 1" of travel between the alternator hitting the valve cover and the end of the groove in the brace where you put the bolt. It is almost as if the arm is too short for this setup. But I can't seem to find an arm with the same radius as this one but longer than 14" if that makes sense.


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Here is the best photo I got from my setup, which I have to believe is stock as everything else under the hood was when I go the truck.

The lower bracket does connect to the water pump with a stud and my digital caliper showed 0.214" from water pump face to backside of bracket. The alternator belt looks like it is not running square but I think that is just an oddity of the angle of the photo. I've driven this truck over 3000 miles since getting it running with this setup.

You will also notice my truck has power steering. That was a recent addition with and Alan Grove power steering pump bracket and add on crank pulley. I'd recommend Alan Grove as everything fit like a champ.

If you need more measurements, let me know.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Thank you much!!! This helps a ton! I also found a water pump stud in my spare parts can....I don't know where it came from but it measures what you have verified.

If you don't mind, can you tell me if there is any kind of washer or spacer or anything that sits in between the bracket that bolts to the manifold and the alternator itself? This is on the lower alternator mount where it bolts into the boss that is part of the casting on the manifold. I think that the alternator just goes in between the bracket and the cast iron of the manifold boss, but wanted to verify.


Thanks, Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

For clarity, here is what I am referring to. I put a few washers in there to shim it back and forth as I play around with the bottom mounting, but it does not seem right to me.


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

You are correct on the mounting to the manifold. No extra spacers, directly bolted to the manifold. You can see the bottom bolt in the photo. The upper goes through the alternator into the upper threads on the manifold.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

That is what I thought. Thank you! My alternator has a bunch of play at the bottom. Upon closer inspection, I did see that the lower alternator bracket was welded at some point, so I suspect that it broke and was repaired. Corvette Central has a replacement, so I will likely get a new one. I am replacing the alternator as well, but have been mocking everything up to ensure I get it correct.


Thanks, Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

I have the same setup with AC and PS. A lot of folks with neither seem to mount the alt on the right side instead, so if you have to fab/order a bracket anyway, maybe look at that option

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

I was thinking about that, but I will be adding A/C in the future, so I am thinking that the driver side will probably remain for my truck. The alternator is still awful close to the valve cover, but until I get a new belt and check it, I am just guessing as to where it needs to be.


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

One thing for sure, getting it sorted with the front clip off is the way to go. You can get up close with ease.

I’d bet a new lower bracket will solve some issues. I can measure the length of my upper bracket if you think that would help.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

What type of alternator is it, or can you show a picture of the back of the alternator?

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

If you could, I would appreciate it. Mine brace is about 14". and that is not measuring the curve.


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

It is an externally regulated one. Here is a picture of it.


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

OK regarding "upper brace doesn't have enough travel in it to properly adjust the belt tension," that is a 10DN alternator clocked to 12:00. When they are clocked to 3:00 as in the factory setup, it will get quite a bit closer to the valve cover. That is what that huge indentation in the side of it is for, allowing it to hug the valve cover. Example of 3:00.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Now it makes sense! I couldn't for the life of me understand how this was so close. The original valve covers were smashed in when I got the truck, so I just figured that someone put an aftermarket brace on it and beat the hell out of the valve cover.

I am going to get an internally regulated alternator as an upgrade. I am assuming that I can just unbolt the alternator housing and clock it properly??


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Yes, I think so but I haven't done one. Clocking will be useful just for the external regulated alternator. When switching to the internal regulator type such as 12SI, it doesn't have the indentation and clocking won't matter, and you'll be back to having just a short adjustment span.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Ok, that makes sense. I will likely stay with the externally regulated one for now. I found a video on YouTube that shows how to clock it. I will try it and then report back.


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

I apologize for the thought about shortening the upper adjustment arm. Not thinking correctly.:uhmk:

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

I don't know if it applies only to other engines with accessory holes in the head, but I have seen posts here on the forum about the 1972-only upper alternator bracket being longer and different shape that allows for more adjustment room.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

I was willing to try anything to see if it would work. :-)


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Yeah, there certainly seems to be a lot of discussion about several different braces.


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

There are sure to be videos online about clocking your alternator. It merely involves removing the 4 screws attaching the two halves together, pulling them slightly apart to allow rotation, and putting the screws back in one the rotation is complete. Careful, because if you go to far apart you'll have to deal with reinstalling the brushes in the holder.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

I am wondering if the valve covers are squared off more than 67 originals? This may account for some differences.

Does your stock set up have the cast iron water pump pulley?
I have only read about this pulley and have never seen one in person.

A better question is you goal to make it OEM stock or to just get what you have functioning?

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

I was able to reclock it. It gave me a little more room, but it still hits the valve cover. I will post up some pictures later.



Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

I was wondering about the valve covers too. Unfortunately, I don't have the ones that came on it any more so I can't compare, but that may be one of the issues. My pulleys are GM, but not the cast iron ones. As far as goals, I am going for a stock look, but I am not going for factory. Basically, I want the truck to be a driver in a mostly stock manner.

I was looking at this alternator setup as well and that brace is available in a reproduction.


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Your valve covers look to be the same as the stock covers that were on my 283. I went and measured the height from the flat on the top to the flange at approximately 2-3/8".

Also, a few more photos of the alternator position. My engine has a 6-3/4" crank pulley and not knowing what size is on your 327 suggesting a belt would be difficult. Also, I ran a string along the topside of my upper bracket and it measures approximately 14".

Not sure if any of this helps but hope it does some.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Looks like your w/p and crank pulley line up. Their are several different offset pulley's for the alternator. You may also be able to add a spacer behind the one you have. However you may run out of threads. Some of the factory pulleys are recessed on the end for this very reason.
The valve covers are likely the same height but the corners are rounded more. I was thinking this may be the difference?

Note: The upper alternator brace bolts to the rear of the alternator.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Thanks for that last note. Never noticed it in photos before and this was the way it was set up when I first got the truck. I will correct that issue this evening!

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Looking at the picture of Accelo's and 67C10's setups, I see that the adjustment bracket for the alternator bracket mounts to the intake manifold, and it is a lot straighter. Maybe that setup would be better?

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

"I see that the adjustment bracket for the alternator bracket mounts to the intake manifold, and it is a lot straighter. Maybe that setup would be better? "

I believe you may be looking at the wrong picture. This is pg 2.
His is on the intake manifold, see picture on pg 1.
My apology if I am wrong on this.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

You are right. I have a cold, it's making my head fuzzy. Thanks for the clarification.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Clay, did you figure this out? I'm going to get you a picture Saturday of an original 67 327 set up. I might also be able to get you the brackets off a 68 307 if they are the same. But, won't be able to look until Saturday.

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

subd been dealing with this same issue since forever with headers im using a Mr. gasket bracket attaches to the head with the header bolts I have clocked the alternator too still very little adjustment on the belt to the point of having to finagle the pulley on with the belt around next size down is to short and gets the alternator up against the valve cover and on and on and on

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Hi Jason, yes I think I have it figured out. I need to make some tweaks to the upper brace. I found another 1967 K20 on the Internet that is original and it also has the brace mounting to the intake. Additionally, with the alternator being clocked correctly now, I seem to have enough travel to get the belt tension correct. Another issue that I have with my existing alternator is that the bottom bolt hole is wallowed out a bit and the steel bushing / sleeve that is in it is pretty worn as well. This makes the alternator deflect quite a bit which is what I believe is causing the pulley to not fully line up. I am going to get a new alternator and do some more tweaking to the upper brace and see if that fixes it.


Clay

Re: 1967 Chevy 327 Alternator Setup
 

Those are very common problems with alternators and short water pumps. If heads are aftermarket or Vortec with a raised valve cover "rails", even stock height covers will interfere. I actually extended my upper bracket by a couple inches and used a longer belt. It's tight, but I can remove the belt.

I'm not sure why your alternator pulley doesn't line up with the crank pulley. Here's my setup using a lower cast bracket that mounts to the head. I know your heads don't have bolt holes, but maybe this picture will help someone else.