Project Mighty Mouse Update: Buttoning Up The SBC Accessories

While we wait on pushrods to arrive, progress on Project Mighty Mouse hasn’t slowed. This stage of the build has been about tightening up the smaller details, specifically the SBC accessories that live at the front of the engine. These components might not grab headlines like cylinder heads or camshafts, but they are critical to reliability, belt alignment, cooling efficiency, and long-term serviceability. Getting them right now saves headaches later, especially once the engine is in the car.

This phase also highlights how traditional small-block Chevy layouts can still benefit from modern aftermarket refinement without losing their classic identity. The goal has been a clean, functional setup that looks at home on a 327 while using proven parts that bolt on without drama.

Cooling And Hardware: Details That Matter

Cooling is handled by a PROFORM long-style mechanical water pump (P/N 67264). Designed for Gen I small-block Chevys from 1958 through 1987, this high-flow pump moves 25 gallons per minute and uses heavy-duty ball bearings for durability. The polished finish complements the rest of the front accessory drive without overpowering the engine bay visually.

The water pump was installed using hardware from an ARP accessory bolt kit (P/N 534-9701). This kit has been one of the unsung heroes of the build so far. Every bolt is clearly labeled, which keeps assembly organized and eliminates guesswork. That is especially helpful when working with an engine that may have arrived with mismatched or incomplete hardware. Using consistent, high-quality fasteners also ensures proper clamping force across all SBC accessories, which directly affects long-term reliability.

Charging And Bracketry: Clean, Simple, And Period Correct

Charging duties are handled by a PROFORM slant-edge alternator (P/N 141-155). This is a 100-amp, one-wire GM 10SI-style unit that keeps wiring simple thanks to its internal regulator. The chrome finish and recessed bowtie logo fit the visual direction of the build without leaning too modern or overly flashy. For a street-driven small-block, the output is more than sufficient to support basic electrical needs without unnecessary complexity.

Mounting the alternator is an ICT Billet SBC alternator bracket (P/N 551672X). This bracket bolts directly to the water pump and is designed specifically for V-belt systems, which keeps everything aligned the way a traditional small-block should be. Machined from aerospace-grade billet aluminum in Wichita, Kansas, the bracket includes all required hardware and fits Chevy 12SI-style alternators with 6.56-inch center-to-center mounting holes. Once installed, belt alignment was spot-on, which is something that cannot be taken for granted when mixing aftermarket SBC accessories.

Motor Mounts And Proper Fastening

The motor mounts were also installed during this stage, and they are one area where solid mounting hardware matters. These mounts carry the full weight of the engine and deal with constant load changes under acceleration and deceleration, so proper fasteners are not optional. Using quality hardware here ensures the engine stays planted, aligned, and free from movement that can create driveline or header fitment issues once the car is on the road. The mounts were secured using hardware from the ARP accessory bolt kit, keeping fastening strength consistent with the rest of the engine assembly.

Fuel Delivery And A Balancer Setback

Fuel delivery is handled by a Holley mechanical fuel pump (P/N 12-834). This street-performance pump flows 80 GPH with a preset shutoff pressure of 7.5 PSI, eliminating the need for a separate regulator. The pump body can be rotated to accommodate different plumbing layouts, which makes routing fuel lines cleaner and more intentional. Like the water pump, it was installed using hardware from the ARP accessory kit to maintain consistency across the engine.

The only hiccup during this phase came with the harmonic balancer. While a balancer is currently installed, fitment issues immediately became apparent. It would not seat fully against the crankshaft and ultimately caused the installer tool to fail. As a result, the plan is to replace it with a trusted ATI Performance Products balancer once a new installer tool arrives.

Early 327 engines did not originally use a bolt-on harmonic balancer, so the crankshaft was previously drilled and tapped to accept an ARP balancer bolt (P/N 134-2501). That extra step ensures proper retention and makes future service much easier.

With these SBC accessories now in place, Project Mighty Mouse continues to move forward one detail at a time. Once the pushrods arrive, attention can shift back to the valvetrain, knowing the foundation up front is solid, aligned, and ready for miles ahead.