Best alternator option

[Erikp]

What is the best alternator to use when considering reliability, parts availability, cost, and ease of installation?
My ammeter blew, so I thought it would be a good time for the upgrade and delete the ammeter.
I read through the tech section and previous posts, but could not determine what the best alternative is...
BTW, I have a U20 block on a R16 head in a '67 1600.


Best,
Erik

[tjp]

look in the tech wiki section under electrical.

wiki is your friend.

[Erikp]

So, is the GM option the only one pursuing?

[sports imports]

Erik:
U blocks and R head parts for the are not interchangeable. U blocks have OHC heads and R heads are OHV.

Ross
sports imports

[Erikp]

My bad.
It was a U20 crank in a R16 engine.

[Gregs672000]

I think there are a few Nissan or Japaneese options out there, but I went GM one wire simply for low cost (chrome for $65), internally regulated and self exciting, plenty of power, was recently fixed by a local shop for cheap, easy to install for me (67 2000, alt on the passenger side). What are you going to do for your amp gauge? Be sure to put a 30amp fuse in the line (usually white, main wire, only one hooked up for the GM one wire set up) coming off the alt, that will save your amp gauge in the future.

My install was pretty much "bolts right up", maybe some minor shimming to get the belt to run true. Not sure on other years and mounts, especially any that are post '67.

[Erikp]

Greg,

Thank you! Great insights. Since the ammeter does not work anymore, I was planning on replacing it with a voltmeter. From what I understand, a voltmeter is more practical than having an ammeter. I will head out to the local auto parts store to cost everything out.

Erik

[Gregs672000]

With my rewire this summer, we put in a digital volt meter, left the amp gauge in place but not hooked up. However, my wiring is not stock. Look into what needs to be done to make a volt meter work right. It may end up wired in somewhere else. The amp gauge wires need to be connected somehow as all the power seems to go through those wires, and you do not want them grounding. I AM NOT a wiring person... Curtis did my wiring for me (thank God!). Consult the wiring schematics and other gurus unless you know what you're doing!

[spyder]

Volt gauge. Been there, done that!

http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=15556" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Gregs672000]

Volt gauge. Been there, done that!

http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=15556" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

What a resource this site is!!!

[FergO2k]

I love the GM alt. kinda oversized for the engine bay, some picky types would say, but I love the reliability.
280ZX one is an opiotn a bit smaller. the SR20 upgrade guys go for SUbaru Justy or Kubota tractor (very small).

GM install was very easy. I added an aftermarket voltmeter, but when I tied in the stock wiring, the ammeter still works fine (didn't intend that, but ot fixing what ain't broke)
30 amp fuse in line so 55 amp alt doesn't fry is a must.

oh, and remember you have to charge a dead battery remotely, else the 55amp alt will try to charge it and keep tripping that 30 amp fuse after you jump start the car (Been there NEVER done that I swear)

[Erikp]

Thanks guys!
GM it is! The swap looks straightforward. Hopefully this will get rid of all the issues.

[Copterpilot]

I think there are a few Nissan or Japaneese options out there, but I went GM one wire simply for low cost (chrome for $65), internally regulated and self exciting, plenty of power, was recently fixed by a local shop for cheap, easy to install for me (67 2000, alt on the passenger side). What are you going to do for your amp gauge? Be sure to put a 30amp fuse in the line (usually white, main wire, only one hooked up for the GM one wire set up) coming off the alt, that will save your amp gauge in the future.

My install was pretty much "bolts right up", maybe some minor shimming to get the belt to run true. Not sure on other years and mounts, especially any that are post '67.

Greg,
Where did you buy your GM alternator?

Brian

[Gregs672000]

Honestly, I think I got it local, but check summit etc to see what's around. It was several years ago.

[Solex68]

Where did you buy your GM alternator?

Brian

1981 Chevy Camero (305) Alternator bought at Pep Boys with a lifetime warranty !
Greg II