Generator vs. Alternator - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Scott Chadderdon · 08-14-2002, 12:31 PM

I have a 55 with a 350 out of a 71 Chevelle. I put stock exhaust manifolds on it last night (ramhorns) replacing seriously worn out headers. The bracket for the generator worked fine with the headers installed, but now it will not work with the stock exhaust manifolds. I think I would like to change to an alternator. Can I just find a small block alternator bracket, buy an alternator and bolt it on and go? Is there anything else I need to do or look out for? Appreciate your help.

rico_bob · 09-08-2002, 02:53 AM

Hey Scott!

So I see you finally must have found a truck? CONGRATS! Got any pics to send?

As for the generator/alternator. Depends. Some early 55's were 6-volt systems. Do you have a 6 or 12-volt system?

Definetly you want to go with the 12-volt and with the alternator system. There should be brackets out there. Mine bolts to the headers and then has an arm that bolts to the waterpump bolt and has a slot for the alternator bolt to adjust up an down on.

Go to a bone yard and look at the 60' to 70's Impalas and mid size GM's. Don't pay too much - they are not gold. Ha Ha

GM makes a single wire alternator (means built-in regulator)
or a two-wire alternator - go with a single wire with no less than 80 amps output.

GOOD LUCK - AND ENJOY THE FUN!
rico_bob (aka:Richard in MI)

08-14-2002, 12:31 PM	#1
Scott Chadderdon Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 15	Generator vs. Alternator I have a 55 with a 350 out of a 71 Chevelle. I put stock exhaust manifolds on it last night (ramhorns) replacing seriously worn out headers. The bracket for the generator worked fine with the headers installed, but now it will not work with the stock exhaust manifolds. I think I would like to change to an alternator. Can I just find a small block alternator bracket, buy an alternator and bolt it on and go? Is there anything else I need to do or look out for? Appreciate your help.

09-08-2002, 02:53 AM	#2
rico_bob "Treasure the Ride" Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Mid Michigan, Harrison Michigan, USA Posts: 682	SO YOU ARE FINALLY A TRUCK NUT! Hey Scott! So I see you finally must have found a truck? CONGRATS! Got any pics to send? As for the generator/alternator. Depends. Some early 55's were 6-volt systems. Do you have a 6 or 12-volt system? Definetly you want to go with the 12-volt and with the alternator system. There should be brackets out there. Mine bolts to the headers and then has an arm that bolts to the waterpump bolt and has a slot for the alternator bolt to adjust up an down on. Go to a bone yard and look at the 60' to 70's Impalas and mid size GM's. Don't pay too much - they are not gold. Ha Ha GM makes a single wire alternator (means built-in regulator) or a two-wire alternator - go with a single wire with no less than 80 amps output. GOOD LUCK - AND ENJOY THE FUN! rico_bob (aka:Richard in MI) __________________ If you think you can you're right. If you think you can't you're still right. Trucks: '56 SWB; '57 SWB; '63 C-10 Current projects: 1963 Long Fleetside for the wife! '56 for the daughter. Visit us at: www.ricos-rods-and-relics.com



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