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Alternator questions...

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Old Nov 17, 2003 | 09:17 PM
  #1  
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Default Alternator questions...

Tried to glean as much as I could from the archives but figured I may find a more focused answer.

The one wire setup really sounds nice to me. I hate having all these wires and hoses in my engine compartment, so if I can cut two out, then I'm that much happier.

1) Where do I pick one of these up?
2) What do I have to do to eliminate the old wiring and what kind of guage wire should I do for the new wiring? How/where do I run it?
3) Considering the following, what amp alternator should I get? (I'm going to be running a stereo, 4-speaker w/ amplifier, headlights, your typical lighting(no plans for aftermarket lights), A/C, eventually SPAL dual electric fans. No plans for EFI as of now.

Thanks for the help. To run the wiring, will I need to lift the car?

-Steve
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Old Nov 17, 2003 | 10:59 PM
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Default Re: Alternator questions... (Pacin'California)

Let me boost you back up and give a little tackle on some of your questions.

I am using a 100 amp but not running anything super special other than dual electric fans that draw 19 amps. I think I have plenty of extra to spare so I think that would probably be a good choice. Although I am not sure how much the stock 78 put out.

I dont know nuffin bout the wiring setup for the 1 wire. Although I've heard that the 1 wire will have problems running the charge you need at idle. Like they are more finicky (however you spell it) or something.

Well either way TTT... sorry I cant be a bigger help.


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Old Nov 17, 2003 | 11:41 PM
  #3  
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Default Re: Alternator questions... (Pacin'California)

:nopity Sorry Pacin', but I can’t find my old hi-po mag article on alternators. Just can drop some manufactures in the business that you can chase down on the web.
Try: Mean Green; Powermaster; Performance Distributors.
Hope this helps. Cardo0
:D
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 12:07 AM
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Default Re: Alternator questions... (cardo0)

I'm thinking about going with powermaster for the setup. Seems they have a 1-wire setup that will also generate good idle power.

The summit 1-wire only generates 15 amps at idle!!

Anyways - what is the factory way for wiring the alternator? Through the looming and around the top of the firewall, down to the starter? Or some other method?

-Steve
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 12:45 AM
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Default Re: Alternator questions... (Pacin'California)

Steve,
Give the guys at Auto Electrics in Campbell a call- they may be able to set you up. I've been using their stuff for MANY years & have had great luck. They use Delco heavy duty parts & can probably build whatever you want. Phone # is 559-3540. :cheers:
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 12:46 AM
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From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Default Re: Alternator questions... (Pacin'California)

:rolleyes: I recall three wires none of which go to the starter. Two I suspect go to the firewall connector. A red wire that I think??? Well heck. I got a ’74 and colors will be different. You need a correct wire diagram for your year. I bought a blown-up laminated diagram I think from Zip.
Good night. cardo0 :seeya
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 12:50 AM
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Default Re: Alternator questions... (cardo0)

Sorry for being less specific- the firewall wires apparently are to tell the alternator to get its act together. The wire I'm concerned with is the charge wire and I'm not sure where it goes. (From reading I thought it met a battery cable at the starter but apparently I'm crazy. :crazy: (Or better yet, confused!))

Les- Thanks, man. I'll give these guys a call and they can probably hook me up. :D

-Steve
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 03:10 AM
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Default Re: Alternator questions... (Pacin'California)

Hopefully, this is a more specific question that can be answered: What's the length of the power wire on the alternator to the battery?

Stock is 6ga wire, right?

-Steve
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