Alternator ?

[1970MonteCarloNH]

Hey guys getting ready to buy an alternator

For my motor - are our montes 1 wire or 3 wire ? Thanks in advance

[stangeba]

My 71 has a 3 wire, small 35 (I think) amp stock from the factory. I highly believe in trying to repair the one you have, especially if it is original.

If you are unable to do the repair, find a shop that will repair yours.

If you are changing it to a larger amp alternator, or going to a one wire internal regulator, that is a different story.

This link is to MAD Electric, they have lot's of good tips. 

http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/chevymain1.shtml

Good luck!

Bruce

[71 MONTE 4 YA]

I had my original alternator chromed and and then had it rebuilt for more amperage. I think it's now 90+. I had to change my voltage regulator to the solid state kind. Don't know how well it works(car still in project mode) but it sure is pretty!

[monte70car]

With the one wire its just a hot wire from the battery to the connection on the back of the alt. You can make them a three wire alt by pulling a black plug out and make the connection under the plug.

[Leghome]

You have to careful when going to a one wire. I was going to go that route and still might but the Alt. I was looking at was a 160 amp alt. and will have to go to a 6 gauge wire because that high of an amp alt. will burn up the present wire.

[dbreese]

I went to a internal regulated  alternator 5 or 6 years ago I also upgraded the wiring(heavier gauge0 and fusible link material since it was original to the car. I bought an adaptor from M&H electric that made removing the original external regulator and connecting to the original harness a plug a go. 

 

It has been a while but I want to say the alternator was a 100 amp unit. It was a great upgrade.

 

David

[1970MonteCarloNH]

Thanks for the replies