DIY Converting Alternators

[cameeks]

This is the simple and easy way to upgrade your alternator to a newer style alternator. There are two GM alternators you can upgrade to that are internally regulated. One is a SI model and the other is a CS model. The SI model is what has been run for many years after the external regulated ones and the CS model is the newest. You can upgrade to either with the use of a filament light bulb or a 35 to 350 ohm resistor.

First is getting rid of the external regulator. All you have to do is cap off the red and white wires and join the brown and blue. Where you join the brown and blue (if you don't have a dash indicator light) you need to put a resistor or a light. This gives the resistance needed to not burn up the alternator.



For the SI models. You will take a wire from the battery positive to the post on the back. I have a 14g wire now but going to go to 10g later. you will also go from that same post to the number 2 terminal on the side (red wire in pic) and the last hook up you will need is the brown wire with the light or resistor connected to terminal 1 on the side (white wire in the pic). That is all you need to do to get this set up going.



Now for the CS models. The ones you will be seeing in most of the serpentine conversions. There were several different ways I found on the Internet on how to do this but this is how I did mine and it works with no problems. Just take the wire from the battery to the post on the back of the alternator then take your brown wire with the light or resistor to terminal "L" on the top.



I know there are plugs you can buy to do this But they run around $35. A resistor runs you about 20 cents. So the choice is yours.