I am doing the final fit of the brackets on my 455 and ran into a problem. I installed new tall valve covers and now the back power steering pump bracket will not fit. I was wondering if that bracket could be omitted or will that cause problems?

I have cut the bracket to try and make it fit but it is still a no go. The amount of modifications I would have to do would make it so thin I don’t know if it would do any good.

thanks for the help

Dembig

 

What are you calling the "back" bracket? I'm assuming these are the 64-67 high-mount brackets, since the 68-up brackets are nowhere near the valve covers. In any case, the brackets are designed to prevent the pump from deflecting forward when you tension the belt. Olds wasn't in the habit of installing parts that weren't needed.

 

Here is a picture of the bracket in question




with the new intake manifold and the higher valve covers it will not line up without pushing on the lower side of the valve cover.

 

Your best bet would be to weld on a gusset next to the lower bolt tab to let you grind away that corner that is interfering with the valve cover. This bracket sees primarily tension loads, so the amount you've cut away isn't the end of the world. Alternately, use a 1968-up style bracket to mount the pump down lower. Clearance is tight in the 64-67 chassis, but it will just fit.

 

You could try shimming the bracket with washers - provided the hole lines up.

 

Which is a great way to ensure the belts will be misaligned.