junkyard alternator upgrades?
- Thread starter mceachrw
- Start date
Axle Roads
Well-known member
I've done the GM Alternator swap. Mad Electrical considered them an upgrade. Also, check out Rowand.net
I 've tried the S10 and S12. Currently using the S12. Voltage is a little high at 15V, and a few changes were needed in the wiring. I could talk you through it if need be.
If your getting a good discount and price isn't that much of a concern anyway I've also heard good things about the third generation ford alternators. It depends on your goals.
I 've tried the S10 and S12. Currently using the S12. Voltage is a little high at 15V, and a few changes were needed in the wiring. I could talk you through it if need be.
If your getting a good discount and price isn't that much of a concern anyway I've also heard good things about the third generation ford alternators. It depends on your goals.
Early 80's camaro is a good source for the 94amp S10. Again, the Mad Electrics website is helpful, as is their wiring kit for this unit.
Mine is a single groove and I haven't had any problems yet? Disaster could be waiting around the corner though. That is very possible, I get it when I turn on the A/C so I figured it was the compressor. Something good to know for when I get off my butt and try and track the squeal down 
Good luck with your swap, while it does nothing for the seat of the pants thrill, it does take care of the blower motor slowing down while you idle, lights dimming etc.
Ron
Good luck with your swap, while it does nothing for the seat of the pants thrill, it does take care of the blower motor slowing down while you idle, lights dimming etc.Ron
SoCar72
Well-known member
My '63 still has the generator and I'd like to swap in a alternator, I've heard that alts require less engine power to drive than gens, and weigh less. I have no extraneous electrical accessories : std lights, basic 4 speaker stereo system, elec wipers, defrost/heater blower. I'm carbureted with a Pertronix ignition kit, though possible DUI swap once I step away from the SCV 1 bbl. I am considering a later addition of an electric rad fan.
I am thinking about something in 65 amp range, I like the '88 Town Car idea, at least something a little stronger than stock. My '69 Mustang's headlights dim at idle with its stock replacement alt, I don't know it's amperage.
Have any of you done a gen to alt conversion? I'm sure there's something different in the wiring. What about brackets?
I am thinking about something in 65 amp range, I like the '88 Town Car idea, at least something a little stronger than stock. My '69 Mustang's headlights dim at idle with its stock replacement alt, I don't know it's amperage.
Have any of you done a gen to alt conversion? I'm sure there's something different in the wiring. What about brackets?
But I can almost guarantee there is an answer for you here somewhere! Try over in the electrical forum. Good luck and ...you can always put a better one in the 69 the 95amps 3g is most common on 92-94 3.0L aerostars. you can do a where used to find other vehicles, but they are mostly e350 vans and a few f250/350.
i just bolted it in today. bottom bolt fits perfect. top bolt will have to change to metric or re-tap/helicoil the upper hole in the alternator to inch.
for the wiring, google 3g 65 mustang. there is a really nice diagram out there.
edit: here is a link to the diagram:
http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/showtopic.php?tid/1508807/
i just bolted it in today. bottom bolt fits perfect. top bolt will have to change to metric or re-tap/helicoil the upper hole in the alternator to inch.
for the wiring, google 3g 65 mustang. there is a really nice diagram out there.
edit: here is a link to the diagram:
http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/showtopic.php?tid/1508807/
sharkskinman
New member
So are these direct bolt ins for the generators on the 144/170/200s??
Or do u have to get an alternator mount off of a 65 and above alternator cars..
My gen isnt charging and rather change to alternator than move Gen down away from header
Anyone have a complete list of whats needed or what parts can be aquired or fit?
I have seen alt mounts specifically bolt on for 144/170s
But i think they refer to using a 65 and above 65a alternator
Or do u have to get an alternator mount off of a 65 and above alternator cars..
My gen isnt charging and rather change to alternator than move Gen down away from header
Anyone have a complete list of whats needed or what parts can be aquired or fit?
I have seen alt mounts specifically bolt on for 144/170s
But i think they refer to using a 65 and above 65a alternator
stu in wichita
Well-known member
I normally don't like mixing brands, but unless your car is an accurate restoration, it's no big deal. Car guys have a history of using whatever components they like, based on price, reliability and availability and other factors.
For my Ranchero, the GM 10si was an easy choice. It fits without much work, it's easy to wire up and it eliminates a lot of extra wiring under the hood. Best of all, it's cheap and reliable. If it fries, a replacement is already sitting on the shelf at virtually every parts store in the country.
Yes, the purists groan when they see it, but I actually drive mine, unlike a lot of the "correctly restored" cars. I'm not a Chevy guy, but they definitely have built some good parts. In fact, I've decided to put a 10si in my '74 Challenger. As you can imagine, the Mopar guys really freaked out!
Do what you like.
-Stu
For my Ranchero, the GM 10si was an easy choice. It fits without much work, it's easy to wire up and it eliminates a lot of extra wiring under the hood. Best of all, it's cheap and reliable. If it fries, a replacement is already sitting on the shelf at virtually every parts store in the country.
Yes, the purists groan when they see it, but I actually drive mine, unlike a lot of the "correctly restored" cars. I'm not a Chevy guy, but they definitely have built some good parts. In fact, I've decided to put a 10si in my '74 Challenger. As you can imagine, the Mopar guys really freaked out!
Do what you like.
-Stu
Lemme guess, it's been sitting awhile?sharkskinman":oxjq6r9j said:
http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/vi ... p?t=961368
Generators lose their residual magnetism when not used. This will explain how to do it. I see this quite often because old airplanes that haven't been converted to alt will sit forever and a day. Us airplane mechs call it 'flashing the field', but most of us drag our knuckles on the ground.
