Alternator location on early 69 L78

Therocknss · #1 03-15-2018, 03:22 PM

Hi, My 69 Nova SS L78 396 was built Nov 1968. As I am completing my restoration, I noticed that my alternator pulleys and brackets have been altered or changed. Since this was torn apart 30 years ago, I am not sure what I have or need. The engine had the short water pump on it (it had been replaced -part# and date to 73 vette 454). The Alternator appears to be original and has lower bracket that looks like it bolts to the drivers side manifold. Top bracket is total wrong and looks like something from totally different car. Also, the wiring harness for alternator is coming from Driver side.

From all the pictures I have seen of 69 Nova 396's, the alternators and wiring should be on pass side.1968 pictures show driver side.

I am confused. My car is 4 speed, manual steering, L78 396, and the exhaust manifolds have plugs in them like it originally had air pump. Could early built 69s have still used the 1968 driver alternator side setup?

If so, does anyone know what the part numbers should be for waterpump, pulleys, brackets?

**69L78** · #2 03-15-2018, 04:04 PM

PM sent

**Mr70** · #3 03-15-2018, 04:04 PM

No,should be on the passenger side.Sounds like someone did some rearranging afterwards.
#3931065 Waterpump,Deep groove pulleys all around like Camaro/Chevelle.
Brackets same as Camaro/Chevelle too.

bbbentley · #4 03-15-2018, 04:04 PM

No, your car has the earlier pre 69 (except Corvette & pick ups) short water pump setup. You need the long water pump setup, 1969 specific, because although later brackets newer than 69 will work, the 1st year of the Long style pump had unique brackets. As far as all the part numbers, they make a search engine called Google. That and eBay and some extra reading and you should be able to figure out what you need. BTW, I have a Nova L78 block from about the time your car was made. I am 2 hrs away. Could be your original block? Cast sometime in October. Partial VIN 349517

ban617 · #5 03-16-2018, 04:16 AM

BBBentley , what is the bore of your block ? Does it have any sleeves ?

bbbentley · #6 03-16-2018, 11:50 AM

No sleeves standard bore presently. Will need bored. I’ll send you some pics, Rob and I’ll call you today. Understand that the op has 1 st right of refusal as I offered it to him 1st.

Therocknss · #7 03-25-2018, 11:03 PM

Update on my L87 alternator location issue.

Along with everything else that was changed in regards to my alternator, water pump and pulleys, I found my fan is wrong too. It is a March 99 corvette 5 blade fan (#912239).

The car was never wrecked and has the original radiator, so who knows why someone changed things. I now am convinced that I need to get what I need to correct the situation.

I already purchased the correct date long water pump. Also found the wiring harness for the alternator splits off from the rest of the wiring harness right in the center of the core support.
This meant I only had to redirect the wiring the other direction (which I did and it worked out perfectly).

From my research, I believe I need:
- Alternator lower bracket 3940939
- Alternator upper bracket 3940941
- Alternator rear brace 3940942
- Alternator spacer 3940943
- Water pump pulley (1 grove deep) 3947824BV
- Crank Pulley (2 grove deep) 3955291
- Fan 5 blade without clutch 3939001

I would like to have original parts, but they appear to very expensive. They do make reproductions that I may have to get for now.

By the way, I am lucky enough to have the original engine for my car. I do have a spare L78 that will be for sale at some point. It is a 69 Chevelle block 3955272 date F169 JD along with crank, pistons, and rods.

Thanks for everyones advice.
Kevin