alternator confusion
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: mayfield hts oh
alternator confusion
can someone tell me if i have a internal or external regulated alternator on a 70 bbc
i think that it is external but i just am not sure.
is the voltage regulator located on the drivers side inner fender?
also what would happen if i install a internal regulated alt on.
and vise versa. :crazy:
i think that it is external but i just am not sure.
is the voltage regulator located on the drivers side inner fender?
also what would happen if i install a internal regulated alt on.
and vise versa. :crazy:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 0
From: Casa Grande AZ
Re: alternator confusion (carrino)
I'm pretty sure they went to internal in mid 1969. I'm sure they are internal in 1971. Just look at one of the vette vendors website and see what they are selling for your application.
I'm not sure what happens if you put in the wrong alt. Without any reg, I'd think you would put out way too much voltage.
I'm not sure what happens if you put in the wrong alt. Without any reg, I'd think you would put out way too much voltage.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: cedar creek tx.
Re: alternator confusion (carrino)
Hey dude you have an external Alt. if knoew has changed it already. The way to tell is the connector with the small wires if it is allmost square it is external if it is allomst flat it is internal. As for the regulator not sure were it is i have an 81 wich is internal. But as far as that car goes they didn't start internal regulators till 75 or 76. Hope this was helpful good luck.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: mayfield hts oh
Re: alternator confusion (377vette)
thanks for your replys
i called a couple of parts stores and they both asked if it was internal or external.
they list 2 part numbers for a 70 internal and external.??????????
can you see why im confused :lol:
i called a couple of parts stores and they both asked if it was internal or external.
they list 2 part numbers for a 70 internal and external.??????????
can you see why im confused :lol:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 0
From: Casa Grande AZ
Re: alternator confusion (377vette)
You are not correct. The 71 Vette was internally regulated as it used a 10-SI alternator. I can't be sure of 1970 but they were certainly internally regulated before the dates you posted.
Here's the Sun Service info for 1971: http://www.71corvette.com/sun2.jpg
Here's the Sun Service info for 1971: http://www.71corvette.com/sun2.jpg
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: cedar creek tx.
Re: alternator confusion (lbell101)
I'm sorry i stand corrected! But i will tell you in the 19+ years i have been an auto tech i have never seen a decotron earlier then 75 or 76 sorry for the bad info. again good luck with your delima as per manual pic. you can see the flat plug as i desrcibed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: alternator confusion (lbell101)
Actually ALL 69's and up used internal regulators. In 69, Corvette's were the ONLY GM cars to use the internal regulator. GM made their total line internal by 71. This always confuses the Auto part counter guys. Also interesting is the fact that Corvettes have smaller crank pulleys than other GM counterparts so if you don't get a corvette specific alternator you will have no amperage output al low speed.. Most if not all rebuilders group them all together with Chevy so...The rebuilders don't care.. One size fits all. RIGHT! !! :cuss
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 28,658
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From: Fort Mill, SC via NJ
Re: alternator confusion (Larry B.)
I believe if your alternator's plug prongs are like this I I (up and down) it's external.
If _ _ (horizontal) its internal.
[Modified by 69er, 5:49 AM 5/22/2004]
If _ _ (horizontal) its internal.
[Modified by 69er, 5:49 AM 5/22/2004]
