what alternator should I use (GM product?

[Blue67gto]

I'm currently rewiring my 67 pontiac gto. I am using a painless kit. I was thinking of using a power master 140 amp 1 wire alternator. but someone mentioned that there is a 3 wire gm alternator that is better. any suggestions? I'm not worried about stock. Just something easy to hook up that is internally regulated. I want more amperage for fans, fuel pump, stereo ect. should I do this...

http://www.madelectrical.com

Is this whats up?

[CrackedHead]

I think most of your answers can be found here:

http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/onewire-threewire.shtml


1 wire vs. 3 wire is purely your preference now, both are pretty reliable and don't have much trouble.

I've always been told that a 3 wire energizes the alt with a separate wire, wile a 1 wire alternator energizes the alternator at around 3000 RPM's then after that it will charge at idle. I have experienced the latter on my S-10 with my first alternator but the last one I had does not do that.

[MonzaRacer]

I use the CSI-144 style alternators from GM. I use one 12 v key on wire another wire simply looped to battery terminal and then hook charge wire up to alt.
The basic wiring is same to a CSI as to older SI alts but CSI are digital rgulators and the unit I use is 120am(old Delco number 312-411). any regualr Vbelt pulley will fit and the wiring is so simple.
If you want hit me back on my email [email protected]. Ill have to go home and lok at my old CSI alt setup asI just found it again the other day.

[Chad-1stGen]

Most modern GM alternators can be made to work with just 2 wires. Main power and the enegizer wire. The enegizer wire needs to be hooked up the old "gen" light wire or equivalent.

IIRC You need something that will shoot 12 volts to the alt with the key on but not complete a circuit off or it will drain your battery.

I ran a 105 amp alt that has 3 pins plus the main pow wire but only using 1 pin and bat wire for years w/o problem.

[Pollyss]

Check out http://www.4alterstart.com
They have good prices and many alternators and outputs available. I've got one from them that works well. They're very helpful to call and find out what you need. Many of their alts have lifetime warranties, too.

I normally hear to stay away from 1-wire alts...more charging problems than not, but it's up to you. I don't mind the extra wire and peace of mind.