Alternator questions
 

I recently purchase a 71 C10 that was wired as a single wire however that alternator died and the only replacement listed is for a stock remanned unit externally regulated unit. The truck was "unfinished" in the way of no heat, AC, radio, etc. However I'd like to readd these things back into the truck. I have an optima blue top battery I plan on installing also.

Would you all recommend keeping a 1 wire alternator or switching to a 3 wire?

If so a 3 wire, how do I wire it in? Which amperage?

If so a 1 wire, which amperage?

Please include recommendation on the parts (Company, part #) if you can.

Specs on the battery:
Battery Type: Sprial AGM
BCI Group Size: D34M
Cold Cranking Amps: 750 amps
Cranking Amps: 870 amps


Thanks in advance!

Re: Alternator questions
 

1 wire for better flexibility and upgrade options. You could easily upgrade to a CS130 for more amperage if you wanted.

Re: Alternator questions
 

Updated first post with more information

Do I need more amperage?

Re: Alternator questions
 

Checkout the MadElectrical.com website. Lots of good info there.

Start on the TECH page but the following articles stand out:
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...hreewire.shtml

and

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

To answer your question "Do I need more amperage?" - We have no idea how many amps you were getting from the 1 wire alternator. If you set it back up to work with an external regulator and 42 amp alternator your probably going to notice a difference. I know going from a 42am to a 63 amp 10si makes a difference. That would be my recommendation.

I would get this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KR2GVI/ref=wl_it_dp_o... and straighten out the wiring so it would work. There is a wiring diagram for these trucks out there.(http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=185665). So..if you can get back to stock...you can easily rewire to work with a 10si.

Re: Alternator questions
 

check out this link.

........http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=417872

Re: Alternator questions
 

The "single" wire was a SI12.

Re: Alternator questions
 

Just to make it easy to get a 63 amp single wire alternator, Napa new alternator part number is 1N4011SW. No core needed, and its lifetime warranty.

Re: Alternator questions
 

LMC truck has a conversion harness for $19 that is plug and play to go from external regulator to internal regulated alternators.

Re: Alternator questions
 

Truck doesnt have the old regulator in place

Re: Alternator questions
 

Thanks! Trying to get a little higher amperage though.

Re: Alternator questions
 

How much do you think you need?

37Amp ex reg alt = AC, HEI, 2 elec fans. trailer brake controller, CD player w/bluetooth.

Re: Alternator questions
 

Went with a single wire 63amp meant for a 78 camaro

Re: Alternator questions
 

14.35 volts at the battery while at idle.