NSW Corvettes

Technical Tips => Engines - Carbies - Exhausts - Dissys => Topic started by: Scott on January 13, 2016, 10:55:28 AM

Title: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 13, 2016, 10:55:28 AM
Now that I have lowered my engine by removing the spacers between the engine mounts and the block, (which I did to get better alignment angles in the tailshaft) I have noticed the power steering pump pulley is hitting on the front cross member.

My engine is a 400 small block and is fitted with a long water pump.  So I'm pretty sure all the accessories are as they were on the truck it came out of, as the alternator is on the right hand side, as shown in the pics.  The front pulley sticks out a fair way from the harmonic balancer and the power steering belt is on the V closest to the block.  Are there different power steering pump mount brackets for different cars or where they all the same?  Are there different size pulleys for the PS?

I can easily enough fit the correct water pump and relocate the alternator, but that won't help the power steering.  Any ideas and measurements would be helpful.

(http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l238/S_c_o_t_t_W/vette/31122010330.jpg)

(http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l238/S_c_o_t_t_W/vette/31122010331.jpg)

(http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l238/S_c_o_t_t_W/vette/31122010332.jpg)
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: MY081 on January 13, 2016, 11:22:20 AM
Hi Scott im not much help but i just checked my vette and your power steer pully looks different to mine . My P steer pully is only a bit less than a 1/4 of an inch from my cross member and my alternator is on the other side at the top . hope this helps a bit . Ray
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 13, 2016, 12:34:27 PM
If you get a chance, could you please measure the diameter of your PS pulley, and the distance of the PS belt from the front of the block?
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: MY081 on January 13, 2016, 01:52:09 PM
From the centre of the belt to the engine block is 135cm the pulley size is the same measurement 135 cm
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 13, 2016, 03:09:10 PM
Thanks, I'll compare that to mine when I get home.
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: bfit on January 13, 2016, 05:32:06 PM
Mate swing the pump inwards and use a smaller belt
Bfit
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 14, 2016, 08:46:46 AM
Hopefully it's that simple.
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: bfit on January 14, 2016, 05:40:27 PM
When the power steering pump is fitted with the correct belt,  the filler neck with be close to vertical not laying out as it is in the photo.
It is posible you have  the wrong brackets. I'll see if I can take a head on photo of one
 of mine I have out on the floor  PM   Me an email address
Bfit
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: wabco40 on January 14, 2016, 06:23:56 PM

Hi Scott,

Bob is right. It needs to be in a more upright position. The picture shows the pump using a March pulley setup, however this is close to its oem v-belt position. No problems with the cross member here.

(http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff391/wabco40/image_zpslkpkhqvl.jpeg) (http://s1233.photobucket.com/user/wabco40/media/image_zpslkpkhqvl.jpeg.html)

Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: sabre on January 15, 2016, 06:45:04 AM
The picture shows the pump using a March pulley
Hi Wabco.  Is that a special pump or did you have it modified to spin backwards for the serpentine belt?
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: wabco40 on January 15, 2016, 07:29:35 AM
Hi Wabco.  Is that a special pump or did you have it modified to spin backwards for the serpentine belt?

Hi Sabre,

The pump runs in the normal direction (clockwise when looking from the front of the engine). The belt goes from the crank pulley up to the water pump, then across to the alternator, down and around the inside of the idler pulley and then around the outside of the PS pump pulley back to the crank.
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 15, 2016, 08:38:53 AM
I did some measuring this morning and the belt looks to be 110mm from the block and my PS pulley is 150mm in diameter.  I'll loosen the bolts and move it in on the weekend.  Then I'll need a new belt I guess.  I wish all my issues were this simple to fix (If this does fix it that is).
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 15, 2016, 11:24:04 PM
I just had a quick look.  Even at full movement away from the frame, there is still only 3mm.  I just pulled off the pump and bracket.  I think Ill cut it and re-weld the mount point a little higher.  As I have the alternator on the other side there won't be any issues with getting the lid off.
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: sirfixalot on January 16, 2016, 06:39:14 AM
If you have a long water pump that would put pulleys  too far forward. The pump pulley looks too big in diameter also. Corvette water pump & pulleys are unique to corvette the boss on pump is 3/4"  from memory. There are different offsets on power steer pump pulley also
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 16, 2016, 10:08:32 AM
The ps pump runs solo off the crank and the belt is as close to the block as possible.  It's a 6 inch pulley which is standard.  I realised last night I don't have the ps adjuster bracket.  There was a random bracket there that doesn't fit. I think the issue is that I dropped the engine as low as I could to help with tailshaft angles and the ps pulley has minimal clearance at the best of times.
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: bfit on January 16, 2016, 01:19:25 PM
Here you go this is the belt on one of my spares  direct drive of the crank
the bracket  is the rear mount bracket  that is bolted flush on the front of the block.
The pulley on mine pumps measures  5 3/4' OD.
Bfit

Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: bfit on January 16, 2016, 01:30:39 PM
photo of pulley
photo does not show measurement  well 5 7/8"  from  rear to front of pulley
bfit
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 16, 2016, 02:35:43 PM
Looks like I have the same pump and bottom mount bracket.  I'll have to make up the top adjusting one though.  I've cut the bracket apart now, I just need to weld it back up, which means a trip to my fathers place to use the mig.  I was easier when I had it on permanent loan form him as he preferred his stick welder.  Now he's used to the mig, I don't think I'll get it back...
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: bfit on January 16, 2016, 04:30:12 PM
when there is a little light in the shed tomorrow ill take a better photo of the adjusting bracket ,.
Bift
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: sirfixalot on January 16, 2016, 07:58:05 PM
Bobs pulley is 5 3/4" yours is 6" will check one I have tomorrow. With a 6 " pulley won't matter how close to the block you get it will still hit the chassis cut out correct one only has about 10mm clearance tops to the chassis.
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 16, 2016, 09:44:04 PM
Internet says it should be 6" and the internet never lies :)

With the pump leaned over for max clearance I probably had 2-3mm.  So I'll be happy adding another 5mm or so.  Especially if the engine moves a little when running (if I ever get it running...).

I just want to get enough done so I can drive it, then once it's back on the road I'll start looking for a 454 to drop in there as 400 cubes is just too small.
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: bfit on January 16, 2016, 10:46:39 PM
Internet says it should be 6" and the internet never lies :)

With the pump leaned over for max clearance I probably had 2-3mm.  So I'll be happy adding another 5mm or so.  Especially if the engine moves a little when running (if I ever get it running...).

I just want to get enough done so I can drive it, then once it's back on the road I'll start looking for a 454 to drop in there as 400 cubes is just too small.

 When you look for a BB  go straight past the 454 and get a 496 you will not be disappointed .
Bfit
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: sirfixalot on January 16, 2016, 10:49:37 PM
Have you checked engine mounts there are 2 types short & wide 2 5/8" between ears  & 1 3/4" high or 2 3/8" wide & 2 3/16" high if you use the wide ears you could move engine back 1/4" & put a spacer ferrule on chassis mount post
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 16, 2016, 11:03:53 PM
When you look for a BB  go straight past the 454 and get a 496 you will not be disappointed .
Bfit

That's the plan.  Stroker!!! A 502 isn't NCOP legal, so a stroker will be more secret squirrel.  The stroker kits are pretty well priced from sumit/jegs.  But that's well down the track.  I bought the gearbox conversion back in 2010, and I've only just bolted the box in.  Luckily I have a ZD fairlane to drive to work and keep my ears full of old V8 burble.

I don't think moving the engine back more would help much due to the angle of the x-member and the mount for the lower suspension arm.  Either way, the mount is cut and re-welding it will fix the issue.
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: sirfixalot on January 17, 2016, 07:16:42 AM
Is the car rhd?why is mount cut
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: bfit on January 17, 2016, 07:37:23 AM
Im curious, What  gear box have you fitted,
The drive shaft angle from engine to diff is an intetesting concept.
In the corvette  the diff is mounted horizontal as long as the rear of the gear box is higher than the diff imput and you engine trans angle is less than 3 degrees angled down front to rear. The drive shaft won't give you any problems .
Bfit
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: bfit on January 17, 2016, 08:01:29 AM
When you fit a BB in the vette you will find out what a tight fit it is .
The problems you having now are minimal in comparison.
Bfit
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: bfit on January 17, 2016, 08:14:09 AM
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Borgeson-802400-Power-Steering-Pump-Bracket-Steel-SBC-SWP-/291500050916 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Borgeson-802400-Power-Steering-Pump-Bracket-Steel-SBC-SWP-/291500050916)

This is how the assembled bracket should look
Bfit
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: Scott on January 18, 2016, 08:50:37 AM
Short memory Bob?

http://nswcorvettes.com.au/forum/index.php/topic,6964.84.html (http://nswcorvettes.com.au/forum/index.php/topic,6964.84.html)

My bracket is a little different, and looks much more heavy duty.  I'll update that build thread with some new pics.
Title: Re: PS pulley hitting on front x-member
Post by: bfit on January 18, 2016, 05:35:51 PM
Hard enough keeping track of my own projects,
Check this post out.  A few photos down the page
http://nswcorvettes.com.au/forum/index.php/topic,6964.msg1045955259/topicseen.html#new (http://nswcorvettes.com.au/forum/index.php/topic,6964.msg1045955259/topicseen.html#new)
 So a 5 speed I wouldn't think you would have any problems setting one of those up, lots of room for that one,
I don't like those shifters they supply  with the 5 speed ,  the mod gives a few problems shifting when your keen to get going, if you get what I mean.
The 6 speed magnum is Much  better , thinking about the BB  you will find the 5 speed  won't hold up behind a strong BB.
Bfit