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.

GreasyB

I have heard of people grinding the alternator down to make them fit. Do a search, I am pretty sure sombody has pictures.

2cub49

Thanks
I found what I was looking for.

RamAir95TA

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.

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?

RamAir95TA

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.

user 647483

The Cantons need a little "percussion maintenance" to get them to clear ProMags, nothing severe.
They do however clear the alternator without issue.

2cub49

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

shaguar_Red

subscribing

2cub49

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.

96 Z-Ragtop

Pics?

2cub49

I'll get some tomorrow.
He cut the notch but hasn't actually welded it up yet.

2cub49

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

Red96Lt1

That would be painfull to see my new valve covers cut like that. Hope it works!

2cub49

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.