Alternators, what are you using? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

skid · 02-18-2004, 12:53 AM

I've got all the bracketry off of my engine while I am waiting for my new power steering pump, and am thinking of changing/upgrading my alternator. I have heard that keeping the external regulator while up grading the out put of the original alternator is a good way to go. Anybody else do this? Is there a better way to go?

I would like to have at least 100 amps, and use the original harness (or at least parts of it).

71swb4x4 · 02-18-2004, 12:58 AM

I went to a 105 amp internally regulated alternator. It works great. I got rid of the external alternator and extra wiring.

Shawn

MikeH · 02-18-2004, 02:03 PM

The ultimate setup is getting rid of the original externally regulated alternator and going with a more modern 3 wire internally regulated model. These can be bought off the shelf at any auto parts store in various current ratings. I did it on mine and it is much better all around.

MAD Enterprises has a tech. section that explains the theory in detail. They sell kits, etc to make it easier although their kits aren't necessary to do the job.

http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...hreewire.shtml

skid · 02-19-2004, 01:31 AM

Thanks for the info and the links!

kilomanjaro · 02-19-2004, 03:35 AM

When you switch to the internally regulated style, what you do do with the old voltage regulator wiring harness?
john

MikeH · 02-19-2004, 01:01 PM

kilomanjaro ;

I just removed the old external regulator and (as I recall, its been awhile) removed all its wiring I think to the firewall or old alternator. This left room for relays for my H4 headlight conversion.

Buy a kit from MAD (I do not work or have any connection with them - I just have used their kits) or look at their articles and wire it yourself. If you do make sure you get good connectors and the right gauge wire!

Call the guy at MAD, he will walk you through it and talk your ear off. He was very helpful.

MikeH

mister.freeze · 02-19-2004, 02:05 PM

I've got a 110 amp alt. It's a 3-wire, rigged to be a new GM 1-wire, so that it runs wid-open all the time. Folks tell me I'll burn it out or something like that, but I've got 2 batteries and a lifetime warranty on the alt, so I don't really care!!! I'd like a 190 amp alt from an ambulance, but it's over $200!

02-18-2004, 12:53 AM	#1
skid Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Left Coast Posts: 254	Alternators, what are you using? I've got all the bracketry off of my engine while I am waiting for my new power steering pump, and am thinking of changing/upgrading my alternator. I have heard that keeping the external regulator while up grading the out put of the original alternator is a good way to go. Anybody else do this? Is there a better way to go? I would like to have at least 100 amps, and use the original harness (or at least parts of it). __________________ Toys: 72 K5 Blazer 74 Vette

02-18-2004, 12:58 AM	#2
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I went to a 105 amp internally regulated alternator. It works great. I got rid of the external alternator and extra wiring. Shawn __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

02-18-2004, 02:03 PM	#3
MikeH Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Monument, CO. Posts: 19	Go internally regulated, 3 wire... The ultimate setup is getting rid of the original externally regulated alternator and going with a more modern 3 wire internally regulated model. These can be bought off the shelf at any auto parts store in various current ratings. I did it on mine and it is much better all around. MAD Enterprises has a tech. section that explains the theory in detail. They sell kits, etc to make it easier although their kits aren't necessary to do the job. http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...hreewire.shtml

02-19-2004, 01:31 AM	#4
skid Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Left Coast Posts: 254	Thanks for the info and the links! __________________ Toys: 72 K5 Blazer 74 Vette

02-19-2004, 03:35 AM	#5
kilomanjaro Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: From Kansas now in Palmer, Alaska Posts: 807	wiring When you switch to the internally regulated style, what you do do with the old voltage regulator wiring harness? john __________________ 63 Buick Wildcat 425 72 Chevy Blazer CST 72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne 00 Ford F-350 Super Duty 7.3L 09 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 10 Ford Expedition Limited

02-19-2004, 01:01 PM	#6
MikeH Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Monument, CO. Posts: 19	Chuck it kilomanjaro ; I just removed the old external regulator and (as I recall, its been awhile) removed all its wiring I think to the firewall or old alternator. This left room for relays for my H4 headlight conversion. Buy a kit from MAD (I do not work or have any connection with them - I just have used their kits) or look at their articles and wire it yourself. If you do make sure you get good connectors and the right gauge wire! Call the guy at MAD, he will walk you through it and talk your ear off. He was very helpful. MikeH

02-19-2004, 02:05 PM	#7
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 734	alternator I've got a 110 amp alt. It's a 3-wire, rigged to be a new GM 1-wire, so that it runs wid-open all the time. Folks tell me I'll burn it out or something like that, but I've got 2 batteries and a lifetime warranty on the alt, so I don't really care!!! I'd like a 190 amp alt from an ambulance, but it's over $200! __________________ '72 K5, known as 'the Fox.'



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