3 Wire versus 1 Wire Alternators

[GPModJ]

I got some education over the last couple of weeks regarding electrical systems. I decided to upgrade my alternator for aesthetic reasons (chrome versus corroded aluminum) and learned a bit about 3 wire versus 1 wire alternators. The guy I bought my car from had the 3 wire unit wired to work like a 1 wire unit. So, when I replaced the alternator, I wired it as a 3 wire unit. So far, my electrical system seems to like it--blinkers blink faster, lights are brighter, & cooling fans spin faster.

Rather than try and relay stuff I picked up, here's a link I found really useful:

http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml

[THOR]

This is handy info, thx GPMod. I like the idea of getting rid of voltage drop, especially since I'm interested in doing a halogen headlight swap.
I've heard that the Philips halogens are easiest to make work as the connectors slip right into our pontiac 3-prong deals. I've read somewhere that other brands of halogens require a bit of connector trimming to make work.

Have you done a headlight upgrade? Show me the light !

[GPModJ]

No, haven't done a headlight upgrade yet but plan to. The first step will be installing headlight relays, as recommended on the site whose address I gave in the original message. Apparently, you can get much better power to the headlights by installing relays.

Same thing for electric fans for rads.

[THOR]

Yes, these guys with the relay kits seem to have a good solution to keep our accessories, etc. running up to their potential. I'm seriously considering getting some relays for the headlamps and perhaps another for the new quieter mallory 140 fuel pump. I've used relays in the past when I had another car and was installing fog/cornering lamps. Thanks again for researching this and turning us on to it. 8)

[smp5937]

OK, I am not an electrician, and am a bit confused by this article. My 68 GTO has a 3-wire alternator, butit also has a voltage regulator on the firewall and it appears to be all wired up like it is being used. Isn't the point of a 3-wire to eliminate the regulator via the internal alternator regulator? Or is the one in my car a non-regualtor alternator?

This info really seemed to make a LOT of sense to me and I am seriously considering doing these upgrades, so if anyone else has already done this, can you help me to understand more about it?

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not ignorant about electronics and wiring...I just am not professional about it and I don't understand all aspects of it. I can track a short, use my Fluke meter to find electrical problems, and so forth...and I have done a bit of re-wiring...I just don't really understand alternators and regulators as explained in this article...thanks for any help!!!

I REALLY like the remote voltage sensing concept, it makes a ton of sense to me!!!

[smp5937]

Here is a web site I found that explains a lot to the "idiot" like me about the alternators and stuff...I post it in case others may like to read it also:

http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/GmAlternatorIdentification.htm

[G6T8O]

I've had Wagner halogen headlights on my 68 (all four lights) for about ten years, with no electrical system modifications.. And no problems...

[smp5937]

I had thought about getting Halogens for my 68, but I think I am first going to do some of the tests they talk about on there, and see what is going on with the voltage. If it looks like things are as tehy say, I too am going to get the relay system and upograde to the Internal regualtor alternator and do remote voltage sensing...sounds sensible to me!!!

[HOTROD64-STOCK69]

Even the Delco internally regulated alternator that comes stock on later cars has three wires. Output, excite and idiot light.

[smp5937]

Alright, I ordered the "New System" kit from MAD Enterprises. This kit is very comprehensive and I have just enough curiosity about the system to get it and install it. If anyone is interested I will post the results after it is installed. This includes the Relay kit for a 4-light system, the conversion set up for an internal regulated alternator, remote starter solenoid, and more...all for $139....plus shipping from California which is nominal.


http://www.madelectrical.com/newstuff/

[HOTROD64-STOCK69]

Well thats a simple solution. Looks like they just switch relay's instead of channeling all the amperage through the harness and switches. I think I'll fabricate a system for the HOTROD 64!

[smp5937]

It DOES look simple, but I am not that ingenius to make it up myself or I would have!!! Saved a bunch of dollars Iam sure...if I were more non-ignorant about electrical stuff then I would have done it... :D

Good luck...my parts should be here mid week coming, so if you have any questions or want to see a copy of the instructions or whatever that come with it, Mike, then just drop me a line!!!

[smp5937]

Got a nice box full of stuff today, and should be starting the installation very soon...will let you know how it goes...very fast shipping...talked with Mark at MAD and he is a very nice person and is willing to answer any questions you may have about his products.

[smp5937]

Went to Pull A Part in Tacoma today, got a power antenna w/wiring harness, a nice Alpine detachable face stereo from a Cadillac, and a NEW Delco 94-AMP alternator and some sundry electrical stuff (relays, fuses, wiring) all for $44!!!

Gonna put the alternator in my 68 GTO along with the power antenna. The stereo is going in my Toyota Camry:-)