Which alternator should I use

[62_C10]

Hello, I have a 1962 step side with a 235 and I'm looking to convert to a high amp alternator as I will be running compressors, stereo and eventually air conditioning. My question is, which year alternator should I buy? I'm hoping to find one that'll fit right in place of the old externally regulated generator. But I'll get a bracket if I have to. Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

[vince1]

I like the CS 130 over the earlier 70's 10 si. Get one for an 89 Pontiac Safari and it comes with the pulley rather than serpentine style. It charges much better at low RPM too. You'd also need to get the PSIL connector with it.

Don't know about the generator mount though. Cruising the junkyards you might find one with similar ear lugs like the generator.

You'll get dozens of opinions here on what style to use. I'd recommend stay away from the one wire as I think you need to rev them up a bit for them to start charging.

[markeb01]

I just went through this, and in my application I ended up selecting a Powermaster 140-150 amp model. You need to go through and estimate the amp draw of each of the high draw items, and select a model with reserve capacity beyond that demand level. In my case the average amp draw was going to be about 120 amps, so I selected a 140 amp model.

Here’s a Powermaster guide on how to guesstimate your amp load:



You’ll need an adapter or bracket to fit any alternator to the original generator bracket, but they are generally very simple to fabricate. You may or may not have an issue with the original engine pulleys depending on whether you have the fat V-Belt setup.

And welcome to the forum!

[par4tom]

I like the Powermaster Idea too! Good product that should more than meet your needs. With regards to bracketing, there are a lot of options.

Tom

PS - Skip White Performance has a cheaper alternator that does about 110 to 125 amps...chrome. Very reasonable price and lifetime warranty. I ran one at first in my truck but the chrome plating was not very good at all...

[62_C10]

Awesome! Thanks for the reply guys.

[markeb01]

And here's a universal adapter bracket for an idea of what to look for:

http://store.alternatorparts.com/a20...g-bracket.aspx

Just do a search under Google Images for "alternator to generator mounting brackets" and you'll see many solutions.