Serpentine Aluminum brackets on older heads?

[sled_dog]

Anyone done this? The heads are missing one bolt hole. My buddy says I can't drill and tap it cause it will go into the waterjacket. I don't see whats wrong with that though. I mean all I would need to do is put some sealant on the threads I would think.

 

[Ruthven13]

I did it with the old style Trick Flow Aluminum heads. Not sure if they are made differently than the old iron heads. On the TF's it fit fine.

 

[BowtieBlazer]

I mounted mine and just skipped that hole and had plenty of support....no problems. in the past year

 

[sled_dog]

dad and I were looking at it and thinking there wouldn't be any problem with ti. I mean there is that top support rod to the manifold.

 

[BowtieBlazer]

dad and I were looking at it and thinking there wouldn't be any problem with ti. I mean there is that top support rod to the manifold.

my exact thinking as well

 

[tunedportk5]

same skipped that missing hole and haven't had a problem looks strong enough with out that one.

 

[mrk5]

Anyone done this? The heads are missing one bolt hole. My buddy says I can't drill and tap it cause it will go into the waterjacket. I don't see whats wrong with that though. I mean all I would need to do is put some sealant on the threads I would think.

I got the kit from GM Performance Parts and it had aluminum brackets. It tells you to use the holes that you can, and that it is not a problem if your missing the one. 3000miles and no problems yet.

 

[gotmud77]

I also am running the gm performance parts kit and have had no problems. I am also only using the front aluminum brackets and no braces. The top brace will not mount to the edelbrock proflow. I am very happy with the set up and have not had any troubles with it.

 

[mrk5]

I also am running the gm performance parts kit and have had no problems. I am also only using the front aluminum brackets and no braces. The top brace will not mount to the edelbrock proflow. I am very happy with the set up and have not had any troubles with it.

Yeah, I had to tweak the brace for the alternator to get it to work with the Edlebrock Performer intake.

 

[ZooMad75]

I've got the setup on my 75. My buddy installed the setup when the engine was in his truck. He did drill the hole in the head for the one that is missing. He told me it was kind of scary drilling into the head, but he used the bracket as a guide. It works just fine and the hole was not deep enough to hit water.

Its been on the engine for at least 8 years without any failures. I did put a new belt on it when we dropped the engine into my K5 though.