Time for a alternator upgrade. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

skokie · 12-30-2006, 10:52 PM

After looking at this thread earlier today. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=83417&page=2
I decided to do it so I went to the parts store and bought the 94 amp alternator (test paperwork inside the box says its 113) and I am going to install it tonight. Will let everyone know how it works out.

krue · 12-30-2006, 10:56 PM

skokie · 12-31-2006, 01:02 AM

Its done. Everything is brighter

krue · 12-31-2006, 01:05 AM

I liked mine too.

454_72_4X4 · 12-31-2006, 03:35 AM

Good info!

Just to add some more info. You can convert that new alternator to single wire operation for 13-16 bucks or so.
Just find a decent alternator repair shop, (by decent, I mean one that will sell you the parts you need, not one that says, "bring it in we'll fix it for ya"...), and tell them you need a self exciting regulator.
You can tell the self exciting regulator by the part number. It will have "SE" at the end of the part number. (Might be at the begining, I can't remember for sure).

Now if you want you ammeter to function, just run the wire from the alternator post to the ammeter and from the other side of the ammeter back to the battery.

Also the self exciting regulater will have the 2 spade terminals on it just like the regular regulater

, but they will not be used. Not sure why they put them on there...

Last thing, While you're at the alternator shop, buy 2 SE regulators. Throw one in the glove box just in case the first one should happen to fail.
I've been running 1 wire alternators on my 72 and my S-10 for 10 + years or so and I've only had one alternator failure. (Not positive it was the SE reg though).

jamon8 · 12-31-2006, 08:43 AM

one wire rules

**truckdude239** · 12-31-2006, 09:36 AM

ummm i like my upgrade with a regular alternator never been a big fan of one wire alternator i bought one off an 83 Chevy k-10 with 350 in it from the parts store for 38.88 64 amps they said the standard one was only like 30. although when the uy asked me what i was putting the alternator on and i said a 71 c-10 he was like ohh we won't warranty that if it goes bad since it not for that truck i told him if it went bad you will warranty it. HEHEHEHe now i work there.

i only upgraded because i kept popping high lights got 3 bad voltage regs that were putting out 22 volts

msgross · 12-31-2006, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckdude239

i only upgraded because i kept popping high lights got 3 bad voltage regs that were putting out 22 volts

would that be why I measured 17volts at my electric choke? I ran the hot wire from my "unfused ignition" on the fuse box. I assume that my HEI was getting the same voltage too... I only ran the truck for 5 minutes or so. I am running the stock alt with external regulator but might replace it now... thanks...

*rage'nrat638* · 12-31-2006, 10:52 AM

the best upgrade i ever made to my truck bar none...
i used to sit at a light every thing goes dim...i could wipe the windows faster by hand than the wipers would run. now the dash is brighter.& the outside lights. the heater / ac blower runs faster...and i never had any ground issue's before..just plain-o not enough power and the old alt was a new one to boot...

DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT TOWING A TRAILER RUNNING THOSE LIGHTS WITH THE OLD STUFF

my stereo even puts out a extra 100 watt's

my engine even pounds a extra 300 hp YEA RIGHT

jamon8 · 01-01-2007, 08:23 AM

would that be why I measured 17volts at my electric choke? I ran the hot wire from my "unfused ignition" on the fuse box. I assume that my HEI was getting the same voltage too... I only ran the truck for 5 minutes or so. I am running the stock alt with external regulator but might replace it now... thanks...

17 volts- I have never seen anything like that before

mine when excited, and you do have to self excite the alt by reving it above 1500 rpms goes to a nice 14.3 volts

anything above that you might as well put a hot dog on a stick and let your wiring harness do some cookin

Aarons72s · 01-01-2007, 08:25 AM

I believe you on the external regulators. Most know I am a die hard points fan but when it comes to mechanical voltage regulators. They suck! I went through like 5 borg warner ones, kept sticking wide open, until I tried the el chepo electronic one Havent had a problem since. One nice thing about the cheapy electronic voltage regulators is when the alternator overloads it fries where the mechanical one fries your wiring, dont ask how I know this. Oh and congrats skokie on your upgrade.

12-30-2006, 10:52 PM	#1
skokie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose Ca. Posts: 3,354	Time for a alternator upgrade. After looking at this thread earlier today. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=83417&page=2 I decided to do it so I went to the parts store and bought the 94 amp alternator (test paperwork inside the box says its 113) and I am going to install it tonight. Will let everyone know how it works out. __________________ RIP to my son Dylan. 5/17/2002 - 8/18/2018 If you want to know more about rare forms of pediatric cancer or if you want to help fund pediatric cancer research, please check out the website for the non-profit I started. https://slothforpedcancer.org 68 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=223234

12-30-2006, 10:56 PM	#2
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Time for a alternator upgrade. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

12-31-2006, 01:02 AM	#3
skokie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose Ca. Posts: 3,354	Re: Time for a alternator upgrade. Its done. Everything is brighter __________________ RIP to my son Dylan. 5/17/2002 - 8/18/2018 If you want to know more about rare forms of pediatric cancer or if you want to help fund pediatric cancer research, please check out the website for the non-profit I started. https://slothforpedcancer.org 68 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=223234

12-31-2006, 01:05 AM	#4
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Time for a alternator upgrade. I liked mine too. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

12-31-2006, 03:35 AM	#5
454_72_4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: N.E. MO Posts: 1,749	Re: Time for a alternator upgrade. Good info! Just to add some more info. You can convert that new alternator to single wire operation for 13-16 bucks or so. Just find a decent alternator repair shop, (by decent, I mean one that will sell you the parts you need, not one that says, "bring it in we'll fix it for ya"...), and tell them you need a self exciting regulator. You can tell the self exciting regulator by the part number. It will have "SE" at the end of the part number. (Might be at the begining, I can't remember for sure). Now if you want you ammeter to function, just run the wire from the alternator post to the ammeter and from the other side of the ammeter back to the battery. Also the self exciting regulater will have the 2 spade terminals on it just like the regular regulater , but they will not be used. Not sure why they put them on there... Last thing, While you're at the alternator shop, buy 2 SE regulators. Throw one in the glove box just in case the first one should happen to fail. I've been running 1 wire alternators on my 72 and my S-10 for 10 + years or so and I've only had one alternator failure. (Not positive it was the SE reg though). __________________ 72 C20 4X4 454 4 speed 89 Trans Am (was) 305 TPI 700r4 93 C1500 2wd Extended cab 350 700r4 98 Sonoma (TPI outa the Trans Am) 03 Yamaha 660 Raptor 03/04 660 Raptor 07 700 Raptor 85 Honda Odyssey

12-31-2006, 08:43 AM	#6
jamon8 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: southern Il Posts: 335	Re: Time for a alternator upgrade. one wire rules

12-31-2006, 09:36 AM	#7
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: Time for a alternator upgrade. ummm i like my upgrade with a regular alternator never been a big fan of one wire alternator i bought one off an 83 Chevy k-10 with 350 in it from the parts store for 38.88 64 amps they said the standard one was only like 30. although when the uy asked me what i was putting the alternator on and i said a 71 c-10 he was like ohh we won't warranty that if it goes bad since it not for that truck i told him if it went bad you will warranty it. HEHEHEHe now i work there. i only upgraded because i kept popping high lights got 3 bad voltage regs that were putting out 22 volts __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube Last edited by truckdude239; 12-31-2006 at 09:42 AM.

12-31-2006, 10:52 AM	#9
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	Re: Time for a alternator upgrade. the best upgrade i ever made to my truck bar none... i used to sit at a light every thing goes dim...i could wipe the windows faster by hand than the wipers would run. now the dash is brighter.& the outside lights. the heater / ac blower runs faster...and i never had any ground issue's before..just plain-o not enough power and the old alt was a new one to boot... DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT TOWING A TRAILER RUNNING THOSE LIGHTS WITH THE OLD STUFF my stereo even puts out a extra 100 watt's my engine even pounds a extra 300 hp YEA RIGHT Last edited by rage'nrat638; 12-31-2006 at 10:56 AM.

01-01-2007, 08:23 AM	#10
jamon8 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: southern Il Posts: 335	Re: Time for a alternator upgrade. would that be why I measured 17volts at my electric choke? I ran the hot wire from my "unfused ignition" on the fuse box. I assume that my HEI was getting the same voltage too... I only ran the truck for 5 minutes or so. I am running the stock alt with external regulator but might replace it now... thanks... 17 volts- I have never seen anything like that before mine when excited, and you do have to self excite the alt by reving it above 1500 rpms goes to a nice 14.3 volts anything above that you might as well put a hot dog on a stick and let your wiring harness do some cookin

01-01-2007, 08:25 AM	#11
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,669	Re: Time for a alternator upgrade. I believe you on the external regulators. Most know I am a die hard points fan but when it comes to mechanical voltage regulators. They suck! I went through like 5 borg warner ones, kept sticking wide open, until I tried the el chepo electronic one Havent had a problem since. One nice thing about the cheapy electronic voltage regulators is when the alternator overloads it fries where the mechanical one fries your wiring, dont ask how I know this. Oh and congrats skokie on your upgrade.

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