Ok...i get that. I did assume the debris reasons are valid. My truck still has the inner fender, under fender(dont know the real name) and where the alternator would sit if relocated is completely encompassed by other parts. It is not a daily and will be driven maybe 1000 miles a year if that.
As far as load well... The reason GM feels comfortable putting them in different places from the factory is its gonna be the same lateral load regardless of where it sits since there is no tensioner involved and centripetal and centrifugal forces only apply to the rotational mass being driven so no worries there.
My concern is more what if anything will interfere with it being in the lower position. From what I can see nothing is in the way.
YES, i am trying to convince myself if thats not obvious ,LOL I am totally being that guy
I just really hate the little tensioner rod( like a tie rod) used by the overhead billet brackets and would prefer it was more like the lower brackets that actually seems to hold the alt in place better.
If i am leaving it overhead ill end up using the OE brackets. I already have them and also have painted them already to match the engine.
I do not recommend putting an alternator or power steering pump low AT ALL. I dont even like mid, where mine sits from factory(to accomodate compressor).
Alternator: leaky valve covers WILL find their way all over alternator, same with a leaky PS pump if mounted above. dont ask how it just will. infact, if it only leaks once its where it leaks.
Debris from road more kick up(could shield, but it WILL find its way there esp if you dont clean
Lower means harder to access usually
May have to extend wiring to reach(more connections = more points of failure, this can be remedied with really good wiring techniques or new harness)
PS pump
Cap which is vented for pressure relief can do neither esp if it gets dirty. look at the back of a gm 3800 series 2 engine after 200k miles.
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see where that goes? take years of dirt from just the air + driving, fluids leaking onto it(both coolant and oil are above in this case), its own fluid and its problems(weeping hoses, leaks from overheat/owner checking it, etc)
also, hard to fill. even with proper funnel i always make more of a mess when filling a fluid that cannot be filled without an extension of some kind. owners who dont care arent gonna wipe it up.
When it comes time to change it, harder to reach, full of grime, and maybe its life got reduced because the cap was blocked and the system was pressurized.
Now, of course, if you take care of your engine and vehicle you can mitgate most of those problems. But as second+ hand owner to all my vehicles, its never the case
But if you already have the bracket send it. Otherwise id try to keep those two items high up, compressor, air, AIR pumps, anything else that doesnt require fluid checks OR is sealed externally are preferable lower. So a water pump, although it has a hose connection on sbc, you can put it low if you had the choice of moving them. typically pretty center in most. but ac compressor? cover the lines and put it low out of the way, its how most do it now.
AIR Pump? Put it in ta spot where its hard to get to and will wear out, and discontinue new pumps. Enjoy
