need help, 310 in 88...

Hey folks, I know there a bunch of you out there that have put a 310 gas in a Oliver 88, so I am hoping that some of you may be able to help with the headache. I had a Delco 1 wire alternator on my 88 motor. When trying to put the 1 wire on the 310, the housing is hitting the bypass hose coming off the water pump going to the thermostat housing. I have been to the local parts store with no luck. I also went to a specialty store, and may have found a alternator with a smaller body, but not sure yet. I realize that the brackets will have to be fabricated, but I was wondering if anyone knew of a particular alternator that would bolt up, or if there is an alternate way to mount it that I am not looking at, and is that bypass hose necessary? From what the service manual says, it sounds like it needs to be on there, sure would be easier if it wasnt there. Just to clarify, I am putting this together with the original side curtains in place, so that is the reason for the problem. Also, the 88 cooling system is a non-pressure system while the 310 system is a pressurized system that requires a 7 lb cap. From what I can gather, the 310 needs a certain amount of pressure to open the thermostat. Is this info correct, or can I use the 88 radiator with the non-pressure cap? I know that these questions may be trivial to some of you experienced builders, but any help would be appreciated.

when i had a 310 in my 77 i put the alternator on the on the left side of the engine and used a k&n filter on the carb. making the brackets was quite easy. as for the radiator, i took it to a radiator shop and had them put a pressure cap fitting on and also larger hose inlet and outlet. i still have this radiator if someone needs it. hope this helps, chuck

Heat opens a thermostat, should be ok to use old radiator. But the reason for pressure is to run it hotter. I have forgotten the formula, but I think every pound is 3 or 4 degrees. so to use all your hp radiator will be to small. We have a small local starter alternator Guy, he gave ( well almost) me a small alt from a Nissan It's not one wire, but is better you run big wire to batt or starter, and little wire to your key it will charge idling.

or take the screws out of the back of the alt. and re-orientate the back half of it to clear if it is a delco si

We might be needing that radiator Chuck

eric, where are you located? you can see my 77 on you tube at (chucksoliver77). my 77 has the original engine at 265 cu. in. i pull 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95,and 10500 with it. call me 973-948-0693 if you want the radiator. chuck ps i'm in northwest new jersey

a geo metro alternator will fit there small

i have that same setup and put a delco alternator on the left side of the motor and for the most part don"t have any trouble with the radiator just don"t leave it running alot