Generator vs. Alternator
 

I have a 55 with a 350 out of a 71 Chevelle. I put stock exhaust manifolds on it last night (ramhorns) replacing seriously worn out headers. The bracket for the generator worked fine with the headers installed, but now it will not work with the stock exhaust manifolds. I think I would like to change to an alternator. Can I just find a small block alternator bracket, buy an alternator and bolt it on and go? Is there anything else I need to do or look out for? Appreciate your help.

SO YOU ARE FINALLY A TRUCK NUT!
 

Hey Scott!

So I see you finally must have found a truck? CONGRATS! Got any pics to send?

As for the generator/alternator. Depends. Some early 55's were 6-volt systems. Do you have a 6 or 12-volt system?

Definetly you want to go with the 12-volt and with the alternator system. There should be brackets out there. Mine bolts to the headers and then has an arm that bolts to the waterpump bolt and has a slot for the alternator bolt to adjust up an down on.

Go to a bone yard and look at the 60' to 70's Impalas and mid size GM's. Don't pay too much - they are not gold. Ha Ha

GM makes a single wire alternator (means built-in regulator)
or a two-wire alternator - go with a single wire with no less than 80 amps output.

GOOD LUCK - AND ENJOY THE FUN!
rico_bob (aka:Richard in MI):D :bowtie: :D :bowtie: :D