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Anyone have photos of their Bouchillon Performance Engineering AC Bracket Installation?

themechanic

themechanic

Oklahoma is OK
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I'm getting ready to convert my Classic Auto Air AC bracket to the BPE AC bracket, part #4710, and the correct pulleys, part #4013 and #4916, on my 440. I'm using an aluminum water pump housing (forgot the manufacturer) and a FlowKooler water pump.

I'd appreciate any photos and tips from anyone who has installed them on a car with an aluminum water pump.

FYI, I don't want to evacuate the freon and disconnect the compressor unless it's absolutely necessary.

Thanks
 
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I think I read people had belt slippage problems using a single belt to drive the fan and power steering pump. I used that 4710 bracket, factory style idler pulley, alternator mounting brackets with a/c, factory single groove water pump and four groove crank pullies on my 440 with the P4286899 aluminum water pump housing. That way there are two belts for the compressor and alternator, one belt each for the water pump and power steering pump. The short Hayden fan clutch and 216 fan will clear the idler pulley. A six-pack throttle return spring bracket will need bent down to clear the compressor body.

I did have to grind a little on the 440 Source head for lower compressor mounting bolt clearance. You'll have to use the spacers and flat washers to get the compressor and power steering pullies aligned and brackets spaced correctly. That part is all trial and error. I did mine when the engine was on the stand and could use a straightedge to get everything aligned.
 
themechanic said:
I'm getting ready to convert my Classic Auto Air AC bracket to the BPE AC bracket, part #4710, and the correct pulleys, part #4013 and #4916, on my 440. I'm using an aluminum water pump housing (forgot the manufacturer) and a FlowKooler water pump.

I'd appreciate any photos and tips from anyone who has installed them on a car with an aluminum water pump.

FYI, I don't want to evacuate the freon and disconnect the compressor unless it's absolutely necessary.

Thanks
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I have some pictures, but mine is on a small block engine.

If it's anything like mine, you will need to play around with spacer washers t o get it perfect. I don't believe that anyone can provide the right kit to be 100% correct OOTB. :rolleyes: Bouchillon are good, but not perfect. Their brackets are nicely made.....just need time to sort out pullet alignment, or you will pay dearly.
 
I used their brackets on two big blocks. My 71 I used Classic Auto Air and it had the BPE bracket included. Some washers and it fit fine. I also used it on my 74 with the passenger lower RAD hose exit. I had to shave one housing bolt to clear. On both I used all factory pulleys, tensioner, and brackets so I had a duel belt setup.

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T2R9 said:
I had to shave one housing bolt to clear.
Click to expand...
I had to shave a corner off my Sanden shorty A/C pump to get the bracket to fit. Quite a lot actually.
 
kiwigtx said:
I had to shave a corner off my Sanden shorty A/C pump to get the bracket to fit. Quite a lot actually.
Click to expand...
Did not have to modify either of these pumps to fit. Iron heads on both. We will see how my 70 goes with the 440 Source ones.
 
Pull the long threaded rod back out and position the pump bracket behind the BPE bracket, push it through and thread it into the rear PS bracket. Might need a washer or two between the rear pump bracket and BPE bracket. Kinda sucks to get them to work together.

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The PS front bracket would also work in front of the BPE bracket depending on how the pulleys line up. The above is what worked for me.
 
I have been trying for hours to start the threads on the 4 1/2" bolt through the compressor and PS brackets but just can’t do it. The bolt threads into the PS bracket by itself just fine. I'm frustrated and tired. I'll try again tomorrow.

Thanks for everyone's help.

P.S. This doesn't look very well thought out to me. I'll have to remove one compressor bracket bolt to be able to remove the bolt on the water neck under it.

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After some rest and relaxation I tried again to get the long bolt started. I loosened the two nuts on the rear PS bracket and Viola, the bolt went in.

Tomorrow I have some fine tuning to get the PS pulley alignment right.
 
I got the pulleys aligned this afternoon. I need to find the proper length fan belt for the PS pump and reinstall the radiator shroud, fan and clutch.
 
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