mefirst72

Hey All

Need to replace my current, stock Delco Alternator (63 amps I believe?)

Doing some research and came across the Powermaster, 10si series http://www.powermasterperformance.co...r_7127/286/c48

Could with with more amps, but this seemed to get some pretty good reviews(?)

Any reason to go higher? Not really adding anything that would require more amps.

Also, any other sources or thoughts about Powermaster?

Thanks. Appreciate it!

hookem horns

If you have the stock original, have it rebuilt. If not, I bought a stock style remanufactured one for around $60 at O'Reilly's with a lifefime warranty. Good enough unless you start adding amps to the stereo, electric fans or some other big power draw.

bccan

Just a heads up-

On a '72 be sure whether it has an internal or external regulator. I have run into these where the unit appears to be an internally regulated type but doesn't actually have it in there, it still uses an external regulator on the firewall.

If it is original to the car, I would lean towards having it rebuilt if there is a shop near you. 63A is ample if you don't have a big stereo, electric fans or other high draw items not in the plan back in the day.

brown7373

I posted an almost identical question about upgrading my 72's 57 amp alternator to a 63 amp about a month ago. My answer was it would cause no problems, just give me a little more charging capacity.

I bought a remanufactured 63 amp from NAPA. Looks brand new and I have never had any issues with NAPA parts, new or remanufactured. About $60 after tax, freight and core refund.

BILL DEMMER

i'd rebuild the original if there's no need/desire to change things.


bill

mefirst72

Thanks Dane, much appreciated!

mefirst72

Thanks Bill! Just wanted to make sure

mefirst72

Brown 7373...Thanks. Always glad I'm not the only one. Very new to the "car" world, mostly been around motorcycles.

Allan R

72 alts were either 37, 55 or 63 amps. If you're not adding options or equipment to the car? Staying with stock amp is fine. I'm adding a lot of accessories so I upgraded from 37 to 63. Until the current is needed, the 63 amp works just fine in place of the 37.

mefirst72

Thanks Bccan for the heads-up.

Whats the best way to determine if it's internal or external? How and where the connections come in?

I don't see any external boxes on the firewall. If I posted a photo, do you think you could help out, be able to tell?

Thanks

mefirst72

Thanks Allan R!

mefirst72

Some current shots

Assuming this is an External Alternator?

Highwayman

Yes, it's external when the two spade connectors are parallel. ( I I )

The internal regulators have spade connectors inline. (– – )

henryk8398

You'd be surprised at how much better everything will work if you take the time to clean up various grounds under the hood. If you think your stock alternator has enough amps, I would suggest taking it to a local rebuilder. I think you get a better product than an auto parts store.

If you want more amps, but aren't concerned with looking stock, you can convert to an internally regulated unit from the 80s. That would involve some wiring changes. I think there are kits. The fan looks slightly different, but they provide higher amperage and are easy to find.

I believe the 1985 Toronado with 307 was 94 amps. That's plenty.

mefirst72

Thanks All!!

As usual I really appreciate the lesson, and suggestions. This forum and this kind of quick feedback is pretty amazing...thanks again