What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BB72CHEVKT · 02-05-2013, 09:52 PM

I currently run an internally regulated 3 wire and need to upgrade to a high output of atleast 140 amp and wonder if there is an advantage of switching to a one wire set up.

Andy4639 · 02-05-2013, 10:18 PM

I can't see any benifit except for the install. Once that is done they both will be the same. I have the internal 3 wire alternator and can't see anyway it could be any better.

ole dollor · 02-05-2013, 10:56 PM

most of the time the one wire will cost more , but its easier to wire up, the internal reg. three wire mounts the same and is also an internal reg , all you will have to do is wire up an exciter wire to kick it in every time you start it so it will charge...and most of the time they are cheaper .

67gmcclassic · 02-05-2013, 11:01 PM

i heard the 1 wire hookup does not charge good during idle. I think i needs an increase in rpm to excite the alternator to start charging. could be wrong tho. I would keep the 3 wire myself.

rogergodding · 02-05-2013, 11:29 PM

I've had the same chrome one wire alternator for at least 16 years if that means anything for you

. I think it's a 120 amp.

Andy4639 · 02-05-2013, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogergodding

I've had the same chrome one wire alternator for at least 16 years if that means anything for you

. I think it's a 120 amp.

My 3 wire is right at 24 years old. I installed it back when I put the TPI in the truck March 1989.

biggestjohn · 02-06-2013, 06:47 PM

Nice article about the disadvantages of a 1 wire alt.

Lots of other interesting info also on this site!!!

http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...hreewire.shtml

68gmsee · 02-06-2013, 08:24 PM

I also have read a lot of pros and cons and it basically comes down to ease of installation. I have one in my farm tractor since it doesn't idle very much. When I first crank it up, I have to over-rev it in order to get the alt kick started. Most of the time it's working hard when it's running so I don't have problems with it. In a car or truck, the problem I see is the idling time when in heavy traffic or a traffic jam.

Andy4639 · 02-06-2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB72CHEVKT

I currently run an internally regulated 3 wire and need to upgrade to a high output of atleast 140 amp and wonder if there is an advantage of switching to a one wire set up.

If you just want more amps, why not call local alternator shop and see what they would charge to rewrap it to get a higher amperage. If they can't just buy the one that fit's your brackets that has the most amps.
These are just what I googled, haven't used any of them.

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/highoutput.html

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/highoutput.html

http://www.summitracing.com/search/p...mp-alternators

Street Smart · 02-06-2013, 10:46 PM

Sometimes a one wire won`t start charging until it sees some RPM, so you have to tap the gas to "excite" it to get it to charge. I prefer a 3 wire so the charge light will work. it can give you an early warning of a problem.

BB72CHEVKT · 02-07-2013, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

If you just want more amps, why not call local alternator shop and see what they would charge to rewrap it to get a higher amperage. If they can't just buy the one that fit's your brackets that has the most amps.
These are just what I googled, haven't used any of them.

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/highoutput.html

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/highoutput.html

http://www.summitracing.com/search/p...mp-alternators

The local shop wanted to sell me a later model alternator. They claim it has a bigger case and they need to see the truck to make sure it will fit the brackets. They also claim that the aftermarket units are not what they claim to be. It sounds like a line of BS if you ask me. I am running a 96 amp and I am looking to go to 140 or more. I am not wanting to spend $350 bucks on one although I will if that is what I need.

hayhauler71 · 02-07-2013, 10:37 PM

Here is a chart I ran across for interchange that might help http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/page...lternators.php

Andy4639 · 02-07-2013, 11:58 PM

Well that would be a concern I guess. I would drive up there and let them show me the ones that fit and then go to the parts house of your choice to see if they can beat there price. On line also who knows you may even find a factory one on e-bay.

02-05-2013, 09:52 PM	#1
BB72CHEVKT Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hideaway, TX Posts: 4,950	What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? I currently run an internally regulated 3 wire and need to upgrade to a high output of atleast 140 amp and wonder if there is an advantage of switching to a one wire set up. __________________ 71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400

02-05-2013, 10:18 PM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? I can't see any benifit except for the install. Once that is done they both will be the same. I have the internal 3 wire alternator and can't see anyway it could be any better. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-05-2013, 10:56 PM	#3
ole dollor Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Anton, Texas Posts: 2,364	Re: What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? most of the time the one wire will cost more , but its easier to wire up, the internal reg. three wire mounts the same and is also an internal reg , all you will have to do is wire up an exciter wire to kick it in every time you start it so it will charge...and most of the time they are cheaper .

02-05-2013, 11:01 PM	#4
67gmcclassic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Louisburg, NC Posts: 25	Re: What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? i heard the 1 wire hookup does not charge good during idle. I think i needs an increase in rpm to excite the alternator to start charging. could be wrong tho. I would keep the 3 wire myself.

02-05-2013, 11:29 PM	#5
rogergodding Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sachse, Texas Posts: 614	Re: What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? I've had the same chrome one wire alternator for at least 16 years if that means anything for you . I think it's a 120 amp.

02-06-2013, 06:47 PM	#7
biggestjohn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Russiaville Posts: 203	Re: What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? Nice article about the disadvantages of a 1 wire alt. Lots of other interesting info also on this site!!! http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...hreewire.shtml __________________ ......its not what your askin', its what your gettin'.... .......every time I screw up, I learn something. Needless to say, I'm learning all the time............

02-06-2013, 08:24 PM	#8
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? I also have read a lot of pros and cons and it basically comes down to ease of installation. I have one in my farm tractor since it doesn't idle very much. When I first crank it up, I have to over-rev it in order to get the alt kick started. Most of the time it's working hard when it's running so I don't have problems with it. In a car or truck, the problem I see is the idling time when in heavy traffic or a traffic jam. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

02-06-2013, 10:46 PM	#10
Street Smart Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Brooklyn N.Y. Posts: 819	Re: What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? Sometimes a one wire won`t start charging until it sees some RPM, so you have to tap the gas to "excite" it to get it to charge. I prefer a 3 wire so the charge light will work. it can give you an early warning of a problem. __________________ 1967 GMC Suburban, Supercharged 6.2 LS with a 6l80e , my 11 second tow vehicle! pic in my profile 1987 GMC CrewCab Dually 6.0 LS/6L90e, new tow pig. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...=74049&cat=500

02-07-2013, 10:37 PM	#12
hayhauler71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Paul MN. Posts: 1,996	Re: What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? Here is a chart I ran across for interchange that might help http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/page...lternators.php __________________ Fuzzy

02-07-2013, 11:58 PM	#13
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: What are advantages of 1 wire alt vs 3 wire? Well that would be a concern I guess. I would drive up there and let them show me the ones that fit and then go to the parts house of your choice to see if they can beat there price. On line also who knows you may even find a factory one on e-bay. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.



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