Well, is there any hope for a 455 with aluminum heads and tall valve covers that needs alternator and air conditioning brackets?? I'm pretty sure the power steering bracket is OK.
Thanks.

 

Not sure exactly what you mean but here's my BBO w/Ebrock heads, Alt, & AC. Running stock valve covers with thick gaskets for extra clearance. No issues. Note I don't use the factory bracket over the valve covers for the Alt or AC so that helps. Having the lighter aluminum aftermarket compressor allows it to "hold" in place w/o that bracket. Oddly I have the same setup on my son's 70 Supreme but still had to add the additional bracket for it to hold. Had to modify the arch around the valve cover so it cleared. Bottom line is everything can be made to work is just takes some custom work to get it done.
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iGnU6Mw.jpg

 

71 Olds.

With your setup above, Is there more than one bracket for the alternator? or just the one easily seen in your picture?
There's not a bracket in the back hiding is there?

 

The alt just has the standard upper and lower brackets. The upper one you can see in the pic and the lower "C" shaped bracket that allows you to tighten the belt.

-Joe

 

I had considered doing a little 'relief' work on the bottom side of that upper A/C bracket........thanks for the info.
Can you give me the part number and source for the lighter compressor? How about the 'thicker gasket??
Thanks.

 

Here are the details on the compressor: aluminum Compressor (Old Air Products) - A6 - Pro6ten - 21 lbs lighter than stock (15lbs vs 36). No part # but with this I'm sure you'll find it. BTW I don't think they sell them in black anymore. The one I got for my 442 came that way but for my son's Supreme a few years later, no more black. So we just painted it flat black. I also added the factory red sticker on mine to make it look more original. Sorry no info on the thicker gaskets but there are lots of options out there. I even saw they have metal spacers now but a regular thick cork gasket or even dbl gaskets glued together (if needed) should give you enough clearance.

-Joe

 

Nice "stealth" installation. Kudos!

 

Thanks Joe.
I've got some thick gaskets in the mail somewhere, and I'm going to try your solution for both the a/c and alternator. I found the compressor, so if the gaskets don't work out, I can order it. Thanks!

 

Well, I decided to go with an aftermarket A/C system, so their bracket with a Sanden compressor took care of that side.
The new issue involves the alternator bracket......my brackets were on the '77 403 that was in the car. Alternator has an upper bracket that reaches over and bolts to the intake and the head, but the lower bracket (with the adjustment slot) bolts to the P/S bracket and braces back to the front bolt on the exhaust manifold. It does not fit. I am of the opinion that this set of brackets will not work on a 455. I can modify it by cutting it down, then welding a 'tab' to reach the header bolt, but would prefer factory style parts.
Is there a source for the correct brackets??
Thx.