Coli support bracket

[Jeff W.]

Which one of the brackets in the picture is correct for a 1972 small block?
Thanks for the help.
Jeff

[Chuck S.]

Re: Coli support bracket

At first glance, it appears that the only difference in configuration is the slotted hole on the right hand bracket, but closer examination also shows the coil position to lean further to the rear with the RH bracket.

Without digging my 70 coil out of a box somewhere, I would choose the RH bracket...it's a hip shot with 50/50 odds. Is there no part number on either bracket or condenser?

While the RH bracket does not have the required condenser mounted as shown on the left, it does have the tapped hole for the clamp screw. You can remove the clamp and condenser and mount it on the RH clamp, but I don't remember the top of the condenser having that conical part in 70...you'll need to confirm exactly what you need on the condenser unless you want function only.

[Jeff W.]

Re: Coli support bracket

Chuck, the RH bracket is the one that came off of mu car. I do not see a part number, need to take the paint off. The LH came from Paragon. The bolt hole pattern on my intake is 3 3/8" center to center and the LH is 3 1/2". The info on the bottom of the condenser is "KEM 83U Made in the USA". As you are comparing a 70 to a 72, I do not know if there are differences.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Coli support bracket

Chuck, the RH bracket is the one that came off of mu car. I do not see a part number, need to take the paint off. The LH came from Paragon. The bolt hole pattern on my intake is 3 3/8" center to center and the LH is 3 1/2". The info on the bottom of the condenser is "KEM 83U Made in the USA". As you are comparing a 70 to a 72, I do not know if there are differences.

Yes, I believe LATE 70 and 72 small blocks would have the same coil bracket because the distibutor cover is the same, there is only one model year separating them, and there was no reason to change it.

Another feature that screams that the RH coil bracket is a later version than the LH is the slotted mounting hole; GM production people were always looking for faster, easier ways to assemble cars...the slotted hole would allow them to insert the coil bracket under an existing screw that came with the engine (should be orange), and then install a second screw in the round hole, and tighten both. It's not likely they would have regressed to having to completely remove an existing screw to allow coil installation.

I just checked mine...it is identical to the RH bracket, including the slotted mounting hole and the larger angle of the coil. By the way, the bracket is not identified separately in the AIM because it was supplied to the assembly plant with the coil as a coil assembly. Also, the bracket is not painted; it should be zinc plated. My noise suppression condenser is flat topped with a mica/bakelite disc cover crimped on.

Have you tried the LH bracket to see if it will even fit?...Since the LH bracket has 1/8" more distance between mounting hole centerlines, the mounting screws will probably be at the outer limits of the bracket holes on both sides if it fits at all. Paragon is normally right on the mark, but this wouldn't be the first time I've seen them "throw a gutter ball" for 70-72 Corvettes.

[Jeff W.]

Re: Coli support bracket

That is what started me down this path, I tried to install the coil and I would have to drill out the holes on the bracket to make it fit. Then I read the JMG and it stated that one bolt was painted engine orange and that confirmed the left side slotted bolt hole because that bolt was on the engine. So I guess I will strip the gray paint off and zinc plate the slotted bracket.
Now, what about the condenser, did the numbers I gave mean anything?
Thanks for the help Chuck.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Coli support bracket

That is what started me down this path, I tried to install the coil and I would have to drill out the holes on the bracket to make it fit. Then I read the JMG and it stated that one bolt was painted engine orange and that confirmed the left side slotted bolt hole because that bolt was on the engine. So I guess I will strip the gray paint off and zinc plate the slotted bracket.
Now, what about the condenser, did the numbers I gave mean anything?
Thanks for the help Chuck.

If you mean the part number of the condenser assembled to the bracket by Paragon, it's meaningless. Again, it may be functional and work fine for you, but is completely different from the configuration I described.

Shop vendors for the noise suppression condenser by 70-72 model year; when you find one that matches the configuration I described, buy it. I didn't see any readible numbers on the condenser except for "6", and any such numbers wouldn't be of much value now anyway.

[Jeff W.]

Re: Coli support bracket

Thanks Chuck

[Terry M.]

Re: Coli support bracket

I agree with Chuck regarding the slotted v non-slotted bracket for iron intake 1970-1972.

I can't help you with the proper configuration of the condenser -- unless you want the 1970 style configuration. I have no information that the 1970 config differs from the 1972 -- nor would I expect the 1971 style to be different, but so long as you are seeking the correct information you might as well stick to the 1972 year for data.

[Jeff W.]

Re: Coli support bracket

Thanks Terry