Need some help identifying an alternator

[NW Task Force]

Hey Folks,

Pictured is a stock Delco-Remy alternator off of my 1966 283 Chevy engine. I am wondering if anyone can tell whether or not this alternator is internally or externally regulated for voltage. The reason I'd like to know is because I am interested in going simplistic and doing a (one wire alternator) setup. I am assuming that the (one wire alternators) are internally regulated? I basically want to run an alternator with as little wiring as possible and non dependent on any other external components to run it. Any suggestions on what route to go (plug and play)?

[bk2life]

[QUOTE=NW Task Force;5786883]Pictured is a stock Delco-Remy alternator off of my 1966 283 Chevy engineQUOTE]

that does not look like anything from 1966...

im going to guess by the looks thats a later model internal reg alt.

if you are hiding wires, mount the alt down low and run your wires in the frame, that way the alt is "out of view" and so will be the wiring..

[Roddude]

The pictured altenator is externally regulated. You can replace it with a later model one wire alt, but besure to use an 8ga. wire from the positive term on the alt to the positive/batt term of the starter for the best results. Power Master has a good product if your looking.

[mr48chev]

It is most likely the original model external alternator that came on the rig and was the standard alternator from, 1962 to 1971.

The simple way to tell the difference between internal and external regulator alternators is that on an internal regulator alternator the two pins will always be -- while and external regulator alternator will always have the pins l l . As you can see yours has the l l pins for the connector.

[NW Task Force]

Sweet, thanks everyone for the guidance! At this point I will start hunting down a new 1 wire alternator. Looking through Summit, Jegs, and Speedway Motors it seems most alternators are chrome these days. Sheesh!

[sweet70beast]

Here is a good website for anyone else that is wondering how to tell the difference.

http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/GmAl...tification.htm

[OrrieG]

Date code should be stamped on the housing unless it was scrubbed by a rebuilder. Someone might be looking for a correct date coded one for a restoration.

[sweet70beast]

The easiest way to tell if it is internally or externally regulated is to look at the plug for the two wires. If you look at the one above the terminals are side by side and point up and down, which is an externally regulated alternator. An internally alternator has a plug that the terminals are pointed at each other. In other words -- vs. ll

[NW Task Force]

Cool! Thanks for the great insight. I now know more about what I am looking at. I just ordered a 1-wire alternator for my truck. Should be a snap to hook it up.