LS3 swap: pitman arm hitting alternator
#1
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Car: '89 RS
Engine: '88 355
Transmission: TH200R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 10-bolt
LS3 swap: pitman arm hitting alternator
LS3 out of a 5th gen with custom engine mounts. The engine is sitting probably lower and farther back than with aftermarket swap mounts and the pitman arm is hitting the alternator. Grinded down the nut and the stud that are connecting the pitman arm to the center link, but it didn't help me. Options that come to my mind:
1) modifying the alternator case and offsetting the bolt holes: it could give few millimeters, but probably won't clear enough
2) to modify both the pitman arm and the idler arm by lowering the connection points and bringing the center link lower: don't want to mess with steering components and seems to be a lot of precise work
3) rack and pinion conversion: probably quite costly option with even more stress and work.
4) alternator relocation: no room
5) mini alternator: didn't find any
Any ideas, suggestions? Any help would be appreciated.
A pic: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vbbq1fmexuf3rsy/DSC_1145.JPG
(for some reason won't let me insert the picture in the thread)
1) modifying the alternator case and offsetting the bolt holes: it could give few millimeters, but probably won't clear enough
2) to modify both the pitman arm and the idler arm by lowering the connection points and bringing the center link lower: don't want to mess with steering components and seems to be a lot of precise work
3) rack and pinion conversion: probably quite costly option with even more stress and work.
4) alternator relocation: no room
5) mini alternator: didn't find any
Any ideas, suggestions? Any help would be appreciated.
A pic: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vbbq1fmexuf3rsy/DSC_1145.JPG
(for some reason won't let me insert the picture in the thread)
#2
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Re: LS3 swap: pitman arm hitting alternator
6) Change front accessory drive to different style that fits.
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Re: LS3 swap: pitman arm hitting alternator
The 5th gen Camaro accessory drive spacing is the same as the truck LS engines. IE long. 4th gen setups are 3/4" shorter and should bolt on.
#4
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Re: LS3 swap: pitman arm hitting alternator
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...z28-1le-3.html
See if you can get in touch with this guy maybe can give you some help.
See if you can get in touch with this guy maybe can give you some help.
#5
Re: LS3 swap: pitman arm hitting alternator
I made extremely minor clearance modifications to the alternator for clearance. Your interference looks worse and I see you have custom engine mounts. It sounds like your engine sits a little lower. I used Hawk's LS swap brackets with 4th gen Camaro engine mounts.