I have a 72 with a mildly buiilt 355. Right now it has the stock (I think it is a 55 amp) alternator, externally regulated I believe. I was told I can get a conversion kit to make it internally regulated so I can get a larger amp alternator. Does anyone know where I can get this kit and if it is hard to install? Also what size alternator I should get (amps) to go with it? Any help would be appreciated.

there is a company that is called Powermaster and makes a 100 amp unit that is easy to put in and hook up. it has a internal regulater and is only a one wire hook up. after you start your car and the revs hit 1800 rpm the unit starts to charge. i have had this unit for more than 3 years and no problems. Great instructions and like i said one wire hook up.
this is available at most hi proformance part places and schucks,kragens etc.
probably a 15 minute job over all.
Bill

Todd, I have converted to a one wire in my 72 El Camino but did not use a kit. It is simple enough. Only part purchased other than the alternator is the pigtail that has a small red and white wire. Like Bill, I went with a 100amp powermaster unit and performed the following: Brown wire to external regulator is the wire you will use to hook directly to pig tail / white wire. The small red wire on the pigtail has a "o" connector and hooks directly to the back side of the alternator. 10 gauge red wire will need to be connected from alternator post to horn relay post. Red 10 gauge wire will also need to stay connected from starter to horn relay. All other external regulator wiring can be removed. I kept all connectors intact when I removed mine. Everything works like a charm. Hope this helps. I am sure there may be other ways to accomplish this but this is how I did it.

The Monte actually runs a powermaster 175amp alternator with a rated output of 158amps. Very nice alternator but pricey. Everything is electrical on the Monte. - Dave

I found this on one of the Chevelle sites. I hope I can post this without getting my tit in the wringer!

http://www.chevelles.com/techref/tecref14.html

After reading that I have 2 questions. First, would this be the same as my 72 being a 64 Chevelle? Second, I never heard of the CI and CS stuff. Are regular alternators you buy at the parts store CI I am assuming? I am also still a little confused about what amp to go with. The article did help alot though and I will use it when I convert. Thanks alot!

So easy to do. I just did mine with a new 105 amp CS130 from ebay shopping. I did my convetion for $60. 50 for the alt and 10 for the pigtail. Best 60 I ever spent.

There are all types of models. If you go to the parts store you want to look for one for a late 80's gm. Mine was for a 87 5.7L pickup. The AC Delco book should list the model type of the alternator.

don't use a one-wire alternator, unless you don't mind the fact that your alternator (gen) light will no longer function.

buy a alternator for a 1989 Olds Cutlass Cierra with a 3.3L v6 or a 1986 Astro Van with the 4.3L v6 with the 110A alt. both will fit.

pick up the matching pigtail, available at most parts stores.

find the brown wire that goes to the regulator at the front of the car, cut it off right at the regulator, re-route it over to the alternator.. attach it to the pig tail, pigtail should only have two wires in it.. if its' 3.. I can't remember which wire it is (I'm not at home)
the LARGE red wire in the pig tail gets connected to stud on the back with the big wire and you are done.

I have this set up on my monte and it's FANTASTIC.. the CS-130 series alts charge WAY better at lower rpm's then the SI series.

(both those applications I listed above are CS-130's)

the CS-130 is slightly smaller then the alternators the monte's came with, but if you just lean down on the alternator bracket it will fit ok.

this is a pic of my engine with the CS-130 alt (with a custom alternator fan installed)
http://home.comcast.net/~kc8oye/Engine/DSC02407.JPG

Do not mean to butt into this topic but I am also trying the same thing and need help. My original setup has the battery wire to connect to the back of the alt. and a plug in harness with a small blue and white wire. The new alt (with int. reg.) has the battery connection in the back but the connection for, what I assume is for the blue and white wire, is different. Can I simply purchase a connection that fits the new alt. and splice the wires, then unplug the ext. reg?

I have heard that you can have a problem with the larger alternator if you jump start a dead battery. With the much larger charging capacity charging a dead battery, the original wiring isn't heavy enough to carry the increased amperage. Sounds possible but not sure. Can anyone verify or refute this claim?

Not sure on this. Sounds logical. Most here may disagree with my choice but I opted to use a brand new 65 amp unit, not reman. Will not be using addons like stereo amp, etc. to necessitate larger alt.