Alternator mounting position for a FIA

wolf k · #1 (**permalink**) 03-18-2011, 09:39 AM

It is time for me to start gathering pieces for engine installation. I noticed on the FIA cars the alternator is mounted up high and inverted as compared to a Mustang. Why is this? The manual says an alternator adjusting bracket is included in the kit. I did not receive one. Looks easy enough to fabricate, just need to know where to mount the alternator.

Wbulk · #2 (**permalink**) 03-18-2011, 11:54 AM

I'm not sure were the FIAs alternator was mounted but I bought a mount from Kirkhams that was simple and looked good. A couple of years ago they were about $50.

marcalan · #3 (**permalink**) 03-18-2011, 12:11 PM

I did get the alternator bracket from ERA. I don't remember if it was an option or included. I would call Bob. The biggest issue I had when putting the alternator on was lining up the pulleys so they are square. I ended up with a March setup.

glenview289 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-18-2011, 01:09 PM

This is how we located the alternator in our FIA. Used March system pulleys, brackets, and spacers. The spacers may need adjustments with the heights due to the many combinations water pump housings and pulleys.

Bill

Jim Holden · #5 (**permalink**) 03-18-2011, 01:14 PM

Herewith my usual response to issues like this:

1. e-mail Bob and then,
2. call ERA and ask to speak to (in descending order... pun intended):
Doug
Rob
LJ
Peter

wolf k · #6 (**permalink**) 03-18-2011, 02:55 PM

I was going to fabricate my own brackets or go the march route anyway, just wanted to know why the FIA's alternator is mounted high, does not look to be any interference when mounted in the normal lower position as in Wbulk's photo.

strictlypersonl · #7 (**permalink**) 03-18-2011, 03:45 PM

If you mount the alternator low, I doubt whether it will clear the upper control arm pivot shaft.
I've got to train Peter better to pack the adjusting bracket in all the small-block kits, since he seems to forget it about half the time. Probably because it's optional with the 427. (The difference is that the small-block bracket has no Ford equivalent, while the FE bracket does.)

Quik289 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-18-2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf k

I was going to fabricate my own brackets or go the march route anyway, just wanted to know why the FIA's alternator is mounted high, does not look to be any interference when mounted in the normal lower position as in Wbulk's photo.

The alternator will not fit in the low position in an ERA 289FIA. I managed to get it in there after the engine was in the car, but there was NO room to tighten the belt. My engine package had a beautiful set of billet brackets for the low position, but they are on the bench now. ERA cheerfully provided the bracket referenced in the build manual after a phonecall.

wolf k · #9 (**permalink**) 04-04-2011, 03:43 PM

This is what I ended up with. Bottom bracket is factory Ford, upper brace is home fabricated.

FIA-ERA · #10 (**permalink**) 04-04-2011, 04:45 PM

Hey Wolf,
I just went and looked at mine and it's way different

I did mine the opposite way. I used a heim joint on the bottom with a through bolt to the head (spacers). Then on the top I used a "lower" style Ford bracket off a Mustang as to adjust the run out on the top. I took a picture but can't seem to load it. If you pm your email address I'll shoot it to ya quick. The problem arises at the lower left of the alternator. My set up comes with in a 1/2 inch of the cross support from the passenger foot box. Yours might work as it might put it up and over but my set up is A LOT more compact and it's tight! Maybe Bob will weigh in here too but it may or may not work. My alternator almost touches the thermostat housing. You might have to change the hose configuration coming out of the water pump going to the expansion tank. Sorry! Nice work though! Regards, Matt

tnewland · #11 (**permalink**) 04-04-2011, 05:47 PM

Wolf
I can provide you with a concourse correct (with original logo) alternator mounting bracket (casting) and the proper adjusting arm for $375.00 + shipping. Please look at my "items for sale" listing so that you understand what I am talking about.

Rick Parker · #12 (**permalink**) 04-04-2011, 10:39 PM

Top bar is normally used on the bottom of 1966 Mustang.

tnewland · #13 (**permalink**) 04-05-2011, 12:07 AM

...................

wolf k · #14 (**permalink**) 04-05-2011, 06:01 AM

Thanks for the replies
FIA-ERA; With your taller deck 351 you were able to clear the A arm pivot. I am running a 302 and like others said, the alternator will not clear the A arm pivot if mounted in the lower position. I used the same mounting points as Rick Parkers photo, just using a different upper brace.

tnewland; Very nice, however, with this car, I am not after authenticity. With the adjustable heim joints, it sure makes tensioning the belt easier.