Hello guys Tom here, I have a 1955 270 motor and would like to mount a 12 volt alternator on it any thoughts on make or amps will be appreciated old dog
I have a 6V from this guy and it works fine. In general with all his recommendations for an alternator, does the old 216 wide belt pulley fit a modern alternator?
If not, you can obtain a 5/8” pulley from Speedway. I used this one on my 10si 63 amp alternator.
Last edited by Phak1; 12/16/20193:19 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
I bought an alternator conversion bracket which you will need from the Car and Truck Shop. The bracket slots where it bolts to the block were too small for 3/8” bolts. Having a lathe with an milling attachment made enlarging the slots easy for me, but I assume there are brackets you can buy that would fit without modifications. Once modified the bracket and associated tension bracket worked great.
Maybe other “Bolters” could chime in as to their experiences with alternator brackets and where they bought them from.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Take the wide pully off the generator and put on the alternator - 10si no problem - 12si you may need a spacer. And you can easily make an alternator bracket out of the old generator bracket if you are a fabricator/welder. I suggest using a 3 wire alternator - internal regulator - as you can kill the alternator connection to the battery with ignition switch off.
Old dog............ just get a standard 10si internally regulated alternator. Pretty cheap. Mounting is a little fab work probably. It sure does get rid of a lot of electrical junk and wiring. I advise not to get a 1 wire type. We can help with wiring, no problem.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
Does anyone know what RPM the alternator is supposed to turn at idle? Is it the same as what a generator is supposed to turn? Alternator pulleys have a significantly smaller diameter than what a generator pulley has. Crankshaft pulley diameter has an impact on this situation as well.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
That's one of the big advantages of an alternator- - - -it can turn several times as fast as a generator without damage. The way the rotor is wound allows the alternator to turn 3-4 times engine speed, or more, which would throw the windings out of a generator armature. That's why an alternator can charge a battery at idle speed- - - -something even a 12V generator was hard-pressed to accomplish. A 6V system usually puts a slight drain on the battery unless the vehicle is driven several miles at highway speed every time the engine is started. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
I agree that an alternator can charge at idle but a 10si one wire does need excited which is usually about one time to 1000 rpm. So the choke on may get it excited but also may take a rev to excite. Also the one wire will draw about .003 amps even with key off. Not much draw but if stored and with no trickle --it will discharge.
A 3 wire uses the key to exite the diode -- so excited when turned on. Plus the key completely disconnects the diode from the battery.
One wires are for tractors but are cheap and will work on trucks.
