What is a good amp rating for alternator?

[Rodfather]

I do run a generator on my 41 but - it is 6 volts and there is a charge/discharge gauge on the dash .... and fewer electric components to run.

[kittykatjaz]

Adding to RF's bonuses of running an alternator.

It has to be the easiest mod ever to do to a 61-62 Caddy. Even my kitty kat could do it if she could hold a spanner.

[Die Kreuzen]

yeah RF, i have found at night i am really dim even with the optima battery. the generator just cant cut it anymore. going to ALT is a no brainer for any older vehicle imho. i'll get either 3 or single wire ,the car is still on blocks with front end repairs this ALT change will be done after i get er' done. ofcourse i'll be saving all my old parts maybe sellin' em off on ebay soon...

i'm documenting my front end rebuild and the air ride install on short vids, prob make a ALT one as well.

g'day

[vanchopski]

What's a good alternator to swap in? The guys at my Napa store won't be much help with figuring this out for me so the more info I can give them the better.

[Rodfather]

Chops,

I was waiting to see if someone else would answer because I don't know.

I will say this though, when I did mine I was making it up as I went along and had no reference. I chose an alternator common to 70-80s gm. The alternator must have two opposing tabs on the front of the alternator with no obstructing tabs on the rest of the housing.

I literally looked at alternators and chose one and made it work. The one I selected is very common.

Second I shopped for my alternator at an auto electric specialty shop ... not Napa. Don't expect reliable knowledge from any general parts store counter person.

I will make a call to the place I got mine and get a list of acceptable alternators with amp ratings.

We should have a good reference list for the forum.

rf

[danleblanc]

Ask for an alternator for a 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix 5.7L V8, w/ac and rear defogger. It should be Delco # 321-43 or Lester # 7127-12. That will give you the mounting tabs at the right spot and the 3 wire setup to allow you to use your idiot light. For installation, I have posted instructions in the maintenance section.

HTH.

[Rodfather]

The idiot light works as well with single wire as Jaz posted below. Single vs Three does not exclude the function of the discharge warning light.

rf

[vanchopski]

Perfect. Thanks gang.

[danleblanc]

Originally Posted by Rodfather

The idiot light works as well with single wire as Jaz posted below. Single vs Three does not exclude the function of the discharge warning light.

rf

I didn't know that - I think I missed some points along the way. That's the precise reason why I've been avoiding the one wire setup all along - I thought I would have no light. If it's supposed to work, I want it to work and if installing something different causes it not to work, I don't do it. NOw that I know, I have to rethink my choice of alternator or generator.

[kittykatjaz]

Sorry I could not give you a recommendation as you don't have early 80's Holden Commodores in the states. Thats the type of car my alt came from.