I finally got around to getting rid of my old v-belts (three belt tossings in three days was enough). While installing the serpentine setup, I notice my passenger's side head is MISSING one of the mounting holes (the one closest to the water pump). I guess this is something unique to the aluminum L98 heads?

Any problems running the bracket without that bolt? I'll still have the two "separate" supports running from the AC to the engine...

 

Did some more searching and found out that the aluminum L98 heads definitely DO NOT have that hole... however, I haven't been able to find enough information yet to determine if it will be OK without it. Anyone got any feedback?

 

My theory is the factory put a bolt there, there must have been a reason.

You can drill and tap the head for a bolt. Been there, done that.

 

yes, do do do put the hole there! I had the same problem when I was putting my motor in w/ those heads. When you drill/helicoil the hole, first mount up the accessory bracket. Then use the bracket as a template so you can drill the hole in the exact spot. That's what I did, and it worked like a charm.

 

I also drilled and tapped the hole. I figured it was probally important.

 

Well, the factory v-belt bracketry had some supports for the AC that I wasn't able to use, and I never had any problems with it. I'd like to drill and tap the hole, but I can't get the drill in there at any angle even remotely approaching straight.

Sigh.

I'll guess I'll run without it, and if it becomes a huge issue, I'll drill and tap it when I'm doing a cam, because I'll have the radiator out at that point. I grabbed the top of the AC compressor and was able to shake the whole car without any movement of the bracket, so hopefully those two add-on braces will keep things in check.