I'm working on a street/strip, "more strip than street" Mustang that has no alternator setup on it whatsoever. Since i do plan to drive it on the street, I'm wanting to wire in a simple, "old style" GM alternator. I believe it came off of a 80ish model Chevy pickup. I understand where the main power wire is supposed to run, but what about this other wire??

Where does it go??

Thanks in advance!!

 

Is internal regulator type with a 2 terminal connector on outer diameter of the case? If so, 12v comes from the key switch throught the "alternator" bulb in the dash to terminal #1. Terminal #2 is the sense line. You can hook it up right to the alternator output stud to sense the 12v (actually more like 13.5v when running) it is trying to regulate.

But if there is excess resistance on the wire from the output stud to the battery +, the voltage read will be off and won't charge the battery fully. Either make sure that wire is heavy enough and has good solid connectors on it, or run a seperate wire from #2 directly to battery + to ensure it's getting a good sense voltage of the true battery level.

Note: the resistance of the bulb filament is essential in the line from key to #1. Don't just send 12v directly to #1. You can also use a forward biased diode, I've heard, but I prefer a bulb cause it's a good warning if the alternator takes a dump.

Good links:

http://www.chevelles.com/techref/ftecref14.html

http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/10si.htm

 

Thanks.... That's exactly what i was looking for.

It seems simple enough... I'll be letting everyone know if i have any problems.

Question.... Could i wire in "any" type of warning bulb inline with this wire?? or does it have to be the one in the dash specificly??