1 wire to three wire Alternator swap

[Deemo]

want to switch three valiants over to a three wire set up. 2 run, 1 engine fixing to get built. 2 225s and an 170. Two 66s and one 65 . The 170 is in my daily driver. With the lights, blower, and radio on voltage drops to 11.5 at idle when warm. Tired of this happening. Is there any benefit to doing this swap and exactly what is needed to do it? Remember reading somewhere that a Chevy alternator would work or a Denso?? Not 100% sure. Others say just put relays on the headlights. I do have a Bose amp In my car out of an Audio S4 along with a kenwood CD player. Three gauges / temp / voltage / oil pressure. That’s aftermarket. Is this feasible to do for dirt cheap? I plan on adding more modern electronics to car like radiator fan and a few other items. Switching car to LED headlights as well after the first of the year.

 

[crackedback]

Problem is likely the output your alternator is capable of at idle, not the wire set up. Mopar alts of that era are HORRIBLE at idle.

I'd look for a denso off a mid 80's toyota pickup and retro fit it. Should give solid idle output, or better that what you are currently observing.

 

[Charrlie_S]

The Denso from a 88 or 89 dodge truck,with v-belt pulley, is almost a bolt on. Just cut a 1/4 inch off the front of the cast alt bracket. Use the later model mopar electronic voltage regulator. Wire as a late model mopar.
The main issue is that the new alternator will overpower the 65 and 66 wireing. That needs to be upgraded, also.

 

[goldduster318]

Delco 12si is an easy swap if you have a welder. You basically cut the top bracket in half, flip it, and weld a Mr Gasket universal bracket to part of the lower bracket. Wiring is really basic as well. Works fabulous. Been 6 years already for me and no issues.

 

[Charrlie_S]

On a 65-66 among others, all charging system power goes through the bulkhead connector, and ammeter. This circuit was not designed for the amps these newer alternators, are capable of, much less after 50 years.

 

[Deemo]

I’ve already rewired my car, the 65. Just not in the engine bay. From the bulkhead connector back to the tail lights has already been done. I’ll be putting the battery in the trunk as FYI in the spring. To darn cold now. But I’ll go and look for that stuff. Appreciate the help!!!