Hey all,
I'm building my '74 as a W/SA, and need to upgrade the electrical to support the fan, water pump, fuel pump, etc. Looking at MAD Enterprises website they advise against the one-wire alternator, but Powermaster and others recommend the one-wire as a good upgrade.
Any thoughts one way or the other?
Thanks!
Hello bob55,
I woul like to know more too.
Sombody.... post anything good or bad about the 1 wire alt.
From Pintony
im interested in knowing about this too. because i would go to a one wire alternator. unless it is really bad. i hope the one wire wouldn't make a difference since one wire from the alternator would be better than three.
FORD 1 wire street Alternator 60 amp to140 amp i have one in my pinto works good htt://www.performance distributors.com
I have used a one wire alt. on two of my cars and they work great.
Any issues with fusible links, etc? At what RPM does the alternator kick in with more voltage/amperage?
Thanks for the input!
I put a 1 wire GM alt on my car. It's rated a 90Amp. The shop that built it said this would be the best due to anything larger wouldn't kick in until after @15oo rpm. All I know is that when my lights are on, cooling fan kicks on and the stereo cranking, my lights do not dim anymore. It was well worth it. Plus I got rid of a bunch of wiring with this upgrade and the Pertronix ignition.
Hoots, That is the system I am using also. Good way to go.
I don't have a GM Alt to look at... did it fit in the Stock Pinto bracket or was modification needed?
Thanks
sorry forgot pulley size 4" kicks in @ 3000 rpm
Prostreet,
If it kicks in at 3000 RPM with a 4" pulley, does it drop off once the RPM drops below that point?
Quote from: bob55 on May 13, 2006, 02:40:44 AM
Prostreet,
If it kicks in at 3000 RPM with a 4" pulley, does it drop off once the RPM drops below that point?
once i rev my engine to 3000 rpm the alternator is excited and charging i come back to a idle it remains charging until i turn off motor each time i restart my motor must rev up to 3000 rpm to start charging works good!!!
Prostreet, thanks for the info. Sounds like it might work pretty good for my application with the 4" pulley, also sounds pretty decent for a stock pulley size upgrade.
So tell me, does this eliminate the stock regulator? These alternators have built in regulators? You can just tie off the existing wire harness?
Joe
The purpose of the 3 wire is to excite the alternator with 12 volts as soon as it starts spinning so it starts charging right away. This is regardless of it is internal or external reg. With a one wire there is a thresh hold rpm the must be exceeded to excite the alternator so it will start charging. Varies with alt but is a good question to ask before buying one.
I will also go to an internal reg alt with a higher output for all the electrical needs. Which way, 1 wire or 3 wire, i don't know just yet. I also have to figure out how much amps I need.
BTW: for those of you going to a high output i would suggest that you replace the alt wire with a larger gauge wire to handle the amps. A lot of wiring companies make a kit and is relatively cheap but very good insurance.
I have a gm alt, on my 86 mustang and it works great, but hate to have gm parts on a FORD!!