RAMBOW

My 66 has the drivers side power steering pump bracket (non AC w/ alternator on pass side)

The bottom part of the PS pump Bracket catches a single stud that comes out of the front of the block just below the head.

Aluminium heads protrude from the front of the block 1/2" unlike the original cast heads which only had the accessory bosses only protruding- So the PS pump bracket doesn't fit quite right.

Looking to see what other people with aluminum heads have done with this bracket.

I think i'm going to cut the bottom off the bracket this weekend, which will allow it to clear properly and sit flat like it should- the question then is weather or not to bend up and weld that lower tab back onto the main bracket or just to leave it off...
There are already two bolts attaching it to the end of the head itself, and one more "tang" that catches the first exhaust flange bolt on the side. I think that would be beefy enough to hold this thing...

Any thoughts?

RAMBOW

Pics from the bottom:

IMG_20130717_224441_122_zps24148082.jpg

in this pic, the two upper bolts that attach to the end of the head are in- and you can see how the "bend" in the metal for the lower stud hole is holding it from sitting flush on the head.

TripDeuces

I'd either take it off the head or flatten that bracket. Doing the bracket would be easier. Is that what's stopping the header bolt from lining up?

oddball

With it like that I bet the pump isn't straight with the other pulleys. Might need more work than just bending the bracket around.
I know the water jacket is pretty close to the front bottom of the head from the issues folks have with trimming for mechanical fuel pumps. Looks like quite a chunk would have to come off, so I'd be worried. Probably best to get ahold of one of the guys on ROP to see if they know about the routing in that corner.

TripDeuces

Could always stick it in a big vise and straighten that edge

RAMBOW

I'm going to cut the bracket and cut that tang and obstruction off. Then I'll decide if I need to weld a new tang on. That bracket is very very thick metal. Much easier to cut and weld than try to bend or hammer it!

oldcutlass

I'd cut the tang off, three bolts ought to be plenty for mounting it. If not you can always fab an add on to bolt it some where else.

RAMBOW

Before: IMG_20130717_224444_930_zps4d7c7f6b.jpg

After Cutting:
IMG_20130721_230819_625_zps8f310b0b.jpg
IMG_20130721_230831_881_zps53b6f72f.jpg
IMG_20130721_230646_339_zps936c25f8.jpg
IMG_20130721_230659_119_zps78749ad9.jpg


IMG_20130721_230945_233_zpsa506cb02.jpg
Getting very close. Worked on the new flowmaster exhaust system today. Will wrap that up this week- need a little more time on this bracket- and then its just finish bolting stuff together and it'll be ready to fire.
Couple more weeks at my snails pace- but i'm getting excited.

EightballZ

nice work !

442rocketdave

Looking good Rambow, I cant wait to see the engine fire up and find out how those new heads perform. Keep the pics coming!

oldcutlass

Looks great, I see no reason why that would not be stout enough.

therobski

You did a lot of hard work and I'm glad it turned out. Question-why didn't you put a later model Cutlass PS pump that mounts low. You would have had to do all that work.

RAMBOW

was trying to keep & use my original pullys and stuff... in retrospect it likely would have been much easier... May still happen too- its not done yet!