Generator to Alternator
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,470
Likes: 1,548
From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 195
Likes: 31
From: Columbia, SC
Genrator to alternator
Go to Mad Electrical's web site and read the "How it works" article. This is not the article I read years ago but in the very last part it tries to explain how the wiring is organized and the power requirements distributed has an effect on how the alternator's output is controlled by the regulator. I was considering trying to terminate most of the wiring to a central distribution point to duplicate GM's approach but then decide to convert the Vette back to a generator. On the Vette I considered getting the 12 volt source from the area of the horn relay in an effort to better monitor the actual voltage drop in the wiring system vs. coming straight from the battery.
However, there are many hotrods using alternators and maybe I'm missing something?
Mad Electrical link:
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...witworks.shtml
However, there are many hotrods using alternators and maybe I'm missing something?
Mad Electrical link:
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...witworks.shtml
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 195
Likes: 31
From: Columbia, SC
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,001
Likes: 1,056
From: Arlington TX
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 Restomod of the Year Finalist
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Okay, I removed the resistor but I want a light indicator if possible. Where can I buy an 8 ohm, 12v lamp, I've looked everywhere?
And you say "assuming it's wired properly". I have it wired per my sketch in post 10. Is that not wired correctly?
And you say "assuming it's wired properly". I have it wired per my sketch in post 10. Is that not wired correctly?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,341
Likes: 665
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Try a 168 bulb (I believe that is what GM used in that time frame for the idiot lights with the 10SI series of alternators). But not knowing what type of bulb socket you are using makes it rather difficult to suggest a bulb............
As for your wiring, I cannot know that you did or did not wire it correctly. Your inability, or lack of understanding, or obtaining direction from elsewhere, to follow my directions leads me to a lack of confidense in your capabilities or knowledge. I only suggested that you check your wiring. And I have not checked your schematic, since I had previously suggested you use mine. Since you chose not to, I can make no further recomendations. Please talk to the people who are helping you on your end.
And yes, I deleted all my previous posts, since there is no need to confuse anyone in the future with possibly conflicting directions (these threads tend to live forever).
Plasticman
As for your wiring, I cannot know that you did or did not wire it correctly. Your inability, or lack of understanding, or obtaining direction from elsewhere, to follow my directions leads me to a lack of confidense in your capabilities or knowledge. I only suggested that you check your wiring. And I have not checked your schematic, since I had previously suggested you use mine. Since you chose not to, I can make no further recomendations. Please talk to the people who are helping you on your end.
And yes, I deleted all my previous posts, since there is no need to confuse anyone in the future with possibly conflicting directions (these threads tend to live forever).
Plasticman
Last edited by Plasticman; Dec 26, 2013 at 10:25 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,470
Likes: 1,548
From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
Wasn't the 8-10 ohm resistor/bulb in the wire designed to prevent feedback so that the car would not keep running when shut off? I know some outfits sell diodes to prevent feedback.
Or does the resistance help with the alternator function at low speeds?
Doug
Or does the resistance help with the alternator function at low speeds?
Doug
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,341
Likes: 665
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
With the single pole ignition switch (as on a C1), a diode is needed in addition to the resistor or lamp, to prevent feedback from the alternator feeding the ignition.
I had previously posted a separate schematic with a diode, but have since removed it to prevent OP confusion.
Plasticman
Last edited by Plasticman; Dec 26, 2013 at 01:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,001
Likes: 1,056
From: Arlington TX
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 Restomod of the Year Finalist
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
That's the first thing I checked when I started the engine, and it did shut off without an inline diode. Perhaps the required diode is in the alternator.
Plasticman,
I appreciate your help, but by the time you posted your diagram, i had it already wired based on go ahead i received from other members and local help. Yours differed slightly but looked like it accomplished the same thing so I didn't change anything.
I'll see if I can get this bulb and associated socket. Maybe this will fix my problem.
Thanks
Plasticman,
I appreciate your help, but by the time you posted your diagram, i had it already wired based on go ahead i received from other members and local help. Yours differed slightly but looked like it accomplished the same thing so I didn't change anything.
I'll see if I can get this bulb and associated socket. Maybe this will fix my problem.
Thanks
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,001
Likes: 1,056
From: Arlington TX
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 Restomod of the Year Finalist
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Just wanted to let everyone know that I finally got the alternator installed and running correctly. I removed the lamp indicator so the drawing now looks like my original in post #1. Trying to keep that was a PITA. What does anybody need it for if you have the gauge anyway. More trouble than it's worth!
I also added the diode in the field wire per all of your suggestions. Runs great, charges at 14 volts at idle, couldn't be happier.
Thanks to everyone for making it possible.
I also added the diode in the field wire per all of your suggestions. Runs great, charges at 14 volts at idle, couldn't be happier.
Thanks to everyone for making it possible.