My wife has a 68 rs with a 396 out of a 66 Chevelle and I am having issues getting a correct alternator belt that is not on the full extent of adjustment bracket. When i move the alternator to the pass side it hist the valve cover a kittle past half way. I can put a 57" on but their is no more adjustment and a 56 1\2 is too short. Has anybody ran into any issues with a correct vbelt on their 396.

Thanks

 

Shove alt to least amount of adjustment and measure circumference of all pulleys involved.
Might check Rockauto for belt fitment.
I wager the 56.5 inch belt would fit.

 

Only way to get that size on would be using something to pry it on and the alternator would be resting on valve cover. Wonder if they make a 56 3\4 length

 

Unbolt the alt, install belt, and bolt up alt.

If '66 BBC came with drvr side bracketry, and '68 Camaro is OE drvr side wiring, why change to pass side?
Picture?

 

I'm a little confused about why the left to right switch too. For starters, yes the 66 Chevelle had the alternator on the drivers side. Most vehicles (not Vette) changed over to the passenger side in 69. Here's the thing tho, with the drivers side alternator, you need to have the short style water pump. Passenger side alternator needs the long water pump. Switching the alternator from side to side with using the same water pump is difficult to do because all the accessory pulley offsets are different, and GM didn't mix & match alternator sides/water pump lengths like that.