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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | First off - Happy Thanksgiving to all you Bolt'ers
I am going to be purchasing a new wiring harness for my project. I will have to also get an Alt or Gen. I am going to convert to 12v.
So what is better to go with a Generator or Alternator?
And how can I tell what pulley I should go with 7/16 or 3/8
this is a 48 chevy 216 engine in a 53 3100 SB
gotta go hunt my turkey now | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | So I need the brackets and all - I am thinking that I should go with a 6 inch 12 V Generator - just not sure what size pulley | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | Alternator is good if you plan to use heavy load additions like ac, stereo, etc. Otherwise stick with a generator. I used one from a "55 Chevy before switching to an alternator. I had to fab upper bracket and purchased a pre made alt bracket in that swap.
Check the tech Tips pages for electrical info.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | but does the pulley size matter | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | the pulley groove width needs to match the pulleys on the water pump and balancer - an alternator usually has a smaller diameter pulley than a generator
Bill | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | If you are going to do any amount of driving with it go to the alt. The output at idle, the dependability & added power are well worth it.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 893 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 893 | If you're not worried about having the original look, go with the alternator. For the reasons George(wrenchbender Ret.) mentioned above.
Brian
1955.2 3100 Truck
The older I get the more dangerous I am!!!!! | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | Well and seeing I have no Bracket for either - the Alternator is much, much cheaper.
Bracket and Alternator = 100 bucks
Bracket and Generator = 250...or more
Then the harness
Think I will go the alternator route | | | | | Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 86 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 86 | Use an alternator. Go to your recycle yard and get a 80's delco alt. Make a bracket. Change your pully if it's not the one you need.You should be able to find a wide pulley on the net. I have seen them. The alt has one lead off the back wire it to the postitive on your battery. The alt will have a plastic 2 prong 2 wire that plugs in the top. You can get the 2 prong at auto parts store. The red wire you need to wire to the hot side of your coil. When you turn your key on it will turn the alt. on also. I have seen a (how to) on this site somwhere.good luck | | | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 295 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 295 | but does the pulley size matter Long story short - yes - alternator or generator RPM are proportional to output voltage. SO below say 1500 RPM (1,000 for sure)you will not get full voltage no matter what regulator does. Dan Bentler | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | Here's the correct pulley for the wide belt:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/GM-Alternator-5-8-Inch-Wide-Belt-Pulley-Plain,1868.html
Do a copy/paste into your browser- - - -the link doesn't work for some reason. It's also available in chrome or aluminum, same page. This reference is for a steel pulley.
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!
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 | Jerry,that's where I purchased the exact same pulley. pulley It comes in chrome and aluminum finish as well. Tim
1951 3100 Chevrolet1951 Chevrolet Suburban CarryallImage"A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love and dreams." "Look deep before you leap !!!" / "Everything is Everything" "If I say a mouse can pull a house, hitch him up"
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