Just got my new harness!...so uh....what?

[DarkoNova]

Just got my new AAW Classic Update harness (thanks MuscleRodz!) and as soon as I open the box there's a big piece of paper that has a big warning on it and 4 paragraphs.

One of them says "this kit only supports the use of a higher current self-exciting 1 wire, or other style internally regulated alternator."

Two things:

First, I have a 3 wire externally regulated Powermaster alternator, soo....wtf do I do?

Second, everyone and their mom says 3 wire alternators are better than 1 wire alternators...so why would AAW specifically design the harness for only 1 wire alts?

Also, do I need one of those high fallutin super expensive crimpers? All I have is some unknown brand (possibly from Autozone, I don't even remember where I got it LOL) crimper with the three different sizes for red, yellow, and blue connectors.

[72camarors]

I just put an aaw harness is my 72 camaro less than a month ago and I have a 1 wire alternator and it works perfect! That is strange that it says that. In my personal opinion I would definitely use a good pair of crimpers. You will be making alot of connections! It is a pretty simple harness to install with very detailed instructions. Every wire is also labeled so it is very hard to mess it up.

[wmhjr]

And get a good soldering iron.

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

One of the reasons I went with M&H. Harness is exactly like stock in configuration. Just with newer connectors and wires. Nice items.

[jknight16]

It's not designed specifically for 1-wire alternators, but rather it's specifically designed not to use an external regulator. Most will agree that the modern internal regulated alternators (which are still 3-wires) are the way to go and the AAW harness is setup for that, but it is unfortunate in your case that you already have money invested in an uprated alternator that is not internally regulated. I just bought a new 94 amp internally regulated for a little over $100 as I am overhauling my electrical system right now. It sucks to spend the additional money, but at least you'll eliminate the external regulator and all associated wiring from your core support.

[Z06vet]

I have the AAW update harness and am very happy with it. You will need a good set of crimpers with the correct jaws for the delphi style connectors. I would think the dealer would have asked about your setup so this would not happen. I'd call AAW. They are awesome to deal with and very helpful. Maybe there is a solution to your ext reg that is simple. Scott

[EFI69Cam]

Just got my new AAW Classic Update harness (thanks MuscleRodz!) and as soon as I open the box there's a big piece of paper that has a big warning on it and 4 paragraphs.

One of them says "this kit only supports the use of a higher current self-exciting 1 wire, or other style internally regulated alternator."

Two things:

First, I have a 3 wire externally regulated Powermaster alternator, soo....wtf do I do?

Second, everyone and their mom says 3 wire alternators are better than 1 wire alternators...so why would AAW specifically design the harness for only 1 wire alts?

Also, do I need one of those high fallutin super expensive crimpers? All I have is some unknown brand (possibly from Autozone, I don't even remember where I got it LOL) crimper with the three different sizes for red, yellow, and blue connectors.

I'd call them. Their tech support is quite helpful.

[Tom Vogel]

Hmm... When I ordered mine, they asked me which setup (1or3 wire) I was using. They recomended 3 wire, so that is the setup and alternator I went with.

[DarkoNova]

Well I tried to save money, so I ordered from a site sponsor. They didn't ask me anything about my setup, though.

I don't mind buying a new alternator, as JKnight mentioned, internally regulated is the way to go. I don't know why I got an externally regulated when I upgraded my alternator years ago. I'll probably call them Monday and ask them what alternator they recommend and what crimpers they recommend.

[dhutton]

AAW also rents the crimpers.

[MuscleRodz]

Well I tried to save money, so I ordered from a site sponsor. They didn't ask me anything about my setup, though.

I don't mind buying a new alternator, as JKnight mentioned, internally regulated is the way to go. I don't know why I got an externally regulated when I upgraded my alternator years ago. I'll probably call them Monday and ask them what alternator they recommend and what crimpers they recommend.

I have a part number at the shop for the one we use I will dig it up and post it. It is from like a 93 Chevy van that is 100 amp and will handle any high draw upgrades you may add at a later date. AAW sells the crimpers, work great but not cheap for one time use. I would suggest either renting them, borrowing some, or buying a less expensive set.

[DarkoNova]

Thanks Mike. I just looked at my alternator and the model number on it is pwm-37293.

Here it is at Summit:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-37293/

The only thing I was 100% sure on was that it was 140 amps. Evidently it's 1/3 wire capable and it IS internally regulated. After reading about how the 1 wire setup works, I think I'm going to call AAW and see if they can send me an adapter for a 3 wire setup. 1 wire just sounds....I dunno, kinda half assed? Seems like it just wouldn't work as well as a traditional 3 wire alternator.

[jknight16]

Yeah, there's no point in having a 140 amp alternator running at full capacity all the time, which is essentially what a 1-wire setup does if I'm not mistaken. With the three wire setup, the voltage regulator can see how much juice is needed and adjust alternator load and output accordingly. Should save your battery, wiring and alternator from some abuse and free up some HP at the same time.

[BuzzKillian]

Unless you Buy/rent the really good crimpers... I would solder every connector. I thought I had good crimps, but some still pulled out. I went back and soldered everthing. Peace of mind is a good thing.

[MuscleRodz]

Yeah, there's no point in having a 140 amp alternator running at full capacity all the time, which is essentially what a 1-wire setup does if I'm not mistaken. With the three wire setup, the voltage regulator can see how much juice is needed and adjust alternator load and output accordingly. Should save your battery, wiring and alternator from some abuse and free up some HP at the same time.

If it is internally regulated, then it is a SI alternator and there is a connection included in the kit for it. You clip the brown wire in the connector, plug it in the alternator, run the big red fusible link wire from the stater and you done

[wmhjr]

Unless you Buy/rent the really good crimpers... I would solder every connector. I thought I had good crimps, but some still pulled out. I went back and soldered everthing. Peace of mind is a good thing.

+1

Every single connection on my entire car is soldered. Well worth the time and effort.

[DarkoNova]

Yeah I called AAW and they told me about the included adapter. Evidently it's a 12SI alternator, but the connections are the same as a 10SI, so it will work perfectly fine.

And I solder wires all day at work, so I already planned on soldering all the connections anyway.