next question, alternators - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bigblock73 · 07-01-2005, 09:17 PM

Next up to buy is my alternator. Wondering what would be the best alternator (brand too) for my truck. I have always just purchased standard alternators in the past for my drivers, so I really don't know much about the rest. What is the big deal about one wire alternators, are they any better than your typical alternators? Should I buy a standard 60 amp (I think that is standard), or get a 100 or 140 unit? My truck is going to be pretty simple, with a very mild stereo, single battery (Optima), and no elec fans (for now) and so forth.

Looking for advice, and curious to hear what everyone else is running.

*ZmOz* · 07-01-2005, 09:22 PM

I would go with at least 100 amp, standard AC Delco 12SI. You could upgrade to a newer style CS130 alternator, it would probably bolt right in, if not with a slight modification. Don't go with a 1 wire, they're only for people too dumb to hook up the other two wires.

A CS130 only has 4 wires, and they're not hard to wire up if you look at the pin out.

boxrodz · 07-02-2005, 02:03 AM

One-wire alternators are popular in the rod and custom world. It keeps the wiring clean and simple. They do look cool. As cool as self-exciting alternators look, the one-wire is also a disadvantage. For one, to trigger an one-wire alternator, you must rev the engine to cut-in the alternator's charging system (somewhere between 1200-1400 'alternator' rpms). And, as the load demand increases the single wire will get warmer since it has no voltage sensing capabilities and hence the higher current draw. With an one-wire, you wouldn't be able to take advantage of a your ignition/warning dash light as well. A three-wire is probably the way to go. Like ZmOz said, you may want to go with a higher amp alternator and be set for any future upgrades that you may have planned (like the electric fans).

BTW, sounds like your making some progress.

bodydropped · 07-02-2005, 02:53 AM

well im runnin a 85 amp police car alternator a optima red top with a full blown stereo and i havent had any troubles at all and im not runnin a cap on my amp im goin to be taken my stock on to an alternator place and get them to juice it up to about 220 amps since im goin to be runnin a bigger amp and some more electronics

piecesparts · 07-02-2005, 06:21 PM

Go to this website ( http://www.tuffstuffperformance.com ) and look at their alternators. They offer a quality product and has a good range of charging rates. I have heavy duty electric fans and I now have a 140 amp alternator with the capability to carry 85 amps (AT IDLE RPMS), where most alternators carry 35 amps. I am not sorry that I purchased through them.

07-01-2005, 09:17 PM	#1
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	next question, alternators Next up to buy is my alternator. Wondering what would be the best alternator (brand too) for my truck. I have always just purchased standard alternators in the past for my drivers, so I really don't know much about the rest. What is the big deal about one wire alternators, are they any better than your typical alternators? Should I buy a standard 60 amp (I think that is standard), or get a 100 or 140 unit? My truck is going to be pretty simple, with a very mild stereo, single battery (Optima), and no elec fans (for now) and so forth. Looking for advice, and curious to hear what everyone else is running. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

07-01-2005, 09:22 PM	#2
ZmOz Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: OR Posts: 235	I would go with at least 100 amp, standard AC Delco 12SI. You could upgrade to a newer style CS130 alternator, it would probably bolt right in, if not with a slight modification. Don't go with a 1 wire, they're only for people too dumb to hook up the other two wires. A CS130 only has 4 wires, and they're not hard to wire up if you look at the pin out. Last edited by ZmOz; 07-01-2005 at 09:22 PM.

07-02-2005, 02:03 AM	#3
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	One-wire alternators are popular in the rod and custom world. It keeps the wiring clean and simple. They do look cool. As cool as self-exciting alternators look, the one-wire is also a disadvantage. For one, to trigger an one-wire alternator, you must rev the engine to cut-in the alternator's charging system (somewhere between 1200-1400 'alternator' rpms). And, as the load demand increases the single wire will get warmer since it has no voltage sensing capabilities and hence the higher current draw. With an one-wire, you wouldn't be able to take advantage of a your ignition/warning dash light as well. A three-wire is probably the way to go. Like ZmOz said, you may want to go with a higher amp alternator and be set for any future upgrades that you may have planned (like the electric fans). BTW, sounds like your making some progress. __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin...

07-02-2005, 02:53 AM	#4
bodydropped Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: beaumont,tx Posts: 757	well im runnin a 85 amp police car alternator a optima red top with a full blown stereo and i havent had any troubles at all and im not runnin a cap on my amp im goin to be taken my stock on to an alternator place and get them to juice it up to about 220 amps since im goin to be runnin a bigger amp and some more electronics __________________ http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ropped/sig.jpg

07-02-2005, 06:21 PM	#5
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Go to this website ( http://www.tuffstuffperformance.com ) and look at their alternators. They offer a quality product and has a good range of charging rates. I have heavy duty electric fans and I now have a 140 amp alternator with the capability to carry 85 amps (AT IDLE RPMS), where most alternators carry 35 amps. I am not sorry that I purchased through them.



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