Larger alternator
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis Minnesota
Larger alternator
I'm going to replace my 63?amp alternator and was wondering if a 100 amp would increase performance or just keep the battery charged. My battery is never a problem, but the ammeter pegs all the way with every flash of my turn signals. Am I "starving" the system? I'm running a modified HEI dist.and a 6AL MSD ignition.
Also the single wire units seem slick. Can this be tied into the system so I would not loose my key buzzer etc.
Thanks.
Also the single wire units seem slick. Can this be tied into the system so I would not loose my key buzzer etc.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
ONe wire units are not waht you really want for normal street useage, the unit you need is off a '79 Seville, with rear window defogger, rated 108 amps, and plugs in just as stock, it's slightly larger diameter still uses stock mounting setup....
the one wire units were intended for Marine use, originally and do fine for race cars with high idle speeds, but drop out below say 1000 engine rpms quite readily.....it really needs the proper regulator wiring in place....
GENE
the one wire units were intended for Marine use, originally and do fine for race cars with high idle speeds, but drop out below say 1000 engine rpms quite readily.....it really needs the proper regulator wiring in place....
GENE
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
All 69-82 C3 alternators can be made 1-wire with the proper regulator. I don't see the point when you can use any similar GM alternator with stock wiring. As far as a bolt-in easy swap, get an alternator from a 84-85 C4, I think they are 110 amp or something like that. There are other 100+ amp alternators available that will bolt right in, but you might have to reclock the back half to make the wires come out right. Look for high option RWD cars like fullsize Buick, Olds, Pontiac, Cadillac, etc especially wagons from mid/late 70s to mid 80s. Also high option RWD intermediates Cutlass, Regal, Grand Prix in the mid-80s. You need the small case, high amp alternator. You don't want the large case like early 70s Cadillac, Pontiac, and big (2-ton) truck/bus. They would wire OK, but would be hard to mount. May have to use your pulley depending on what you get.
