The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop I'd like to "update" my 283 V8...

Hi all,

My truck is a 61 Apache with what I believe is the original engine, a 283 V8. It runs with a generator and a distributer that still has points.
I'd like to rebuild it, and when I do, I'm thinking of swapping to an alternator, and changing the distributer to something more modern. Is there any later model GM alternators and distributers that would work, or would I have to go with something aftermarket? And just your opinion, is this a waste of time and money? Just trying to figure out ways to make the truck a bit more maintenance friendly, and I plan to install a stereo in it (no amp or subs though) and the thought of that being run with that old generator makes me wonder.

nothing wrong with original, the generator will handle a normal sound system the same as it would an original radio - but if ya wanna make it a bit better, any later GM alternator will work, either the earlier ones with an external regulator, or later internally regulated ones - also the HEI distributor from later small blocks will drop right in if you have enough clearance to the firewall .... just start checking wrecking yards until you find what's needed, then you can get the right brackets and pulley with the alternator

Bill

Some pros and cons for you, Adam.

Your truck is more valuable, has a higher price tag when all original. Give careful thought to making modifications. If you are to keep your truck right to your grave, I say do whatever you like. If you will sell this truck in the future, keep it original.

A generator will produce a much cleaner output than an alternator. For a small to modest stereo system, a generator is better; no "whine" nor noise in the sound. A generator and associated voltage regulator are highly reliable.

An alternator charges better at close to idle speed and produces more amps for charge. An alternator is a must for big stereo systems or other high demand devices like a winch. Alternators are "dirty" and will introduce noise into your stereo system. Alternators are also very reliable, and easier to find.

Having a generator rebuilt costs about $75 to $100, about the price of a rebuilt alternator. You can easily rebuild a generator yourself for half the price. An alternator is much more difficult to rebuild; better to simply buy a rebuild.

On distributors, your factory points type is the most reliable but harder to maintain. You have to keep the points adjusted and occasionally replace things, points, rotor, cap and condenser. A factory points type is best for an original stock engine.

If to upgrade, go all the way to an MSD capacitance discharge type distributor. Expensive with a distributor and controller box, but a real dream machine which boosts your horsepower and has your engine running cleaner. This is better for higher performance engines and an MSD is very reliable. Way cool.

Here is a "been there, done that, didn't work" thing for you. Avoid a Mallory mechanical dual point distributor when you are running an alternator. Exception is if you can find a Mallory dual point as old as your truck. Couple decades back, Mallory changed their design and alternators eat those distributors. Mallory now has a small capacitor (condenser) on the side of their dual point distributor. Voltage spikes from a dirty alternator "blows" this capacitor. You will be replacing this capacitor about every 1,000 miles at $18.00 a pop. Without this capacitor, your engine will not run. Mallory is one of the best, sure time tested, but Mallory screwed up their mechanical dual point distributor to a point Mallory issues advisories on how to fix this problem. None of their fixes work. Stay away from this distributor.

A Mallory "Unilite" distributor is super nice, very reliable and requires almost no maintenance. No points, all electronic, works great for Chevy small blocks. No performance advantage, however, least not very much. Very nice distributor, very affordable.

So, stay original or not? Clean generator or dirty alternator? Factory distributor or an expensive MSD? Personally, I would stick to original as much as possible, unless you are to go the high performance route.

Billyray

Modifcations can add value to your truck, or take value away. It depends on the modification, the quality of the work, and most importantly who the prospective buyer might be.

Radical modifications are more likely to cost value than easily reversible ones like you propose. If a prospective buyer is looking for a driver rather than a show truck, an alternator and HEI will both add appeal. A generator and points will not.

I absolutely disagree with the suggestion that a points type ignition is more reliable than a modern electronic not just because of the work required to maintain one, but because some of the pieces must be replaced much more often than the corresponding parts on a modern electronic.

If you buy quality parts an HEI will serve easily for 100,000 miles plus without the cap ever being removed. You can't make that claim about any point type ignition.

Thanks for the info guys. So what I'm gathering so far, the generator (which currently works awesome) isn't such a bad thing to leave in there. The stereo will only be a modern CD deck with two speakers in the kickpanels. Nothing fancy. The distributer...if I go to an HEI (what's this stand for anyway?) do I need extra wiring, seeing how it's electronic? My truck seems to have almost nothing for wires, the entire vehicle runs on 3 fuses.

Oh, and about keeping it stock vs modifying, my plan was a mild custom. Generally this...rebuild the engine, new exhaust, re-work the steetmetal, re-do the interior, new paint, new wood kit for the box, and lower it a few inches...which for this year of Chev, requires me to swap to disc brakes, because I can't get drop spindles for drums. So I'll likely end up redoing the brakes system too, which really isnt a bad thing.

High Energy Ignition. Make sure it will fit!
There are electronic kits to convert from points, and you keep the stock dizzy...Pertronix, etc.
Sounds like you're going to have a nice truck, and everything can be un-done, if necessary.
Good luck.

cm

Cutting to the chase. You asked for advice, not a lot of opinions why not to do it. So here:

1. Yes they make alternators that look like generators from outside appearance. Or you can get a conventional alternator. But you'll have to convert to 12 volts. Check with one of the restoration websites on it, such as Speedway Motors...they're a good one.

2. Pertronix sells an excellent electronic ignition that converts your stock points distributor, for only about $75 bucks. Check with Summit Racing to order.

Hot Rod Dad, thanks for the advice. The Petronix unit sounds like a pretty good idea to me. The generator that I have in the truck is a 12 volt. Only reason I was really thinking of changing it to an alternator is because I want to install a stereo, and I don't really know if the old generator would be as reliable as an alternator.

Adam,

to expand on Hot Rod Dads's comment

go with the pertronix kit - it bolts in place of your points under your existing distributor. If someone wants to convert back, they simply buy a set of points and install (although I would not know why they would want to)

If your generator is good, run that until it needs a re-build, then make your decision on rebuild/alternator/alternator-that-looks-like-generator.

I would put modern gaskets and valve seals in the engine though, gasket/seal technology has come a long way since 1961

Thanks Scott, yeah that's exactly the conclusion I was coming to...Petronix, and run the gen till it craps out, whenever that is, and decide what to do with it then.
I have a feeling that the cylinder heads may have been rebuilt at one time, because someone would have had to update the valves for unleaded fuel, right? It doesnt burn a drop of oil, and don't leak much either. The bottom end however...yeah, the crank bearings let me know how worn they are every time I start it.

The Pertronics units are very good. I've had one on a 57 pu (235) for about 8 yrs with no problems. Plugs seem to last much longer and burn cleaner, simple to install and if there are future problems, the point system can be returned easily. I highly recommend them.
dgerth

an HEI will fit with no mods. It's a pain to get the wires on and the back screw to lock the cap down (i don't lock mine, three is enough for me) but it will go in. If you decide to swap to an auto trans if you don't already have one move the engine forward. 3/4 of an inch makes a big difference when your working back there.