Hi ,
i would like to know if someone did already the conversion generator to alternator on a 1961 f85 ? what is the correct alternator / regulator to use ?
Thanks for your time

 

I have not done it but the 63 model had the alternator. You will need to find the 63 alternator brackets.

 

I did this years ago on my 62. Get the brackets from a 1963 215 with alternator (Olds or Buick, they are the same). I used a CS130, but a 10SI/12SI fits also. If you use the CS130, get the one from a 1989-1990 Olds Custom Cruiser with 307. This will be 95 amps and will have the correct ears for mounting in the older Delco alternator brackets. I swapped the wider pulley from the generator to the new alternator so the belt fit properly. Remove the generator and regulator and associated wiring. Run a heavy gauge wire from the threaded BATT post on the alternator to the junction block. Run a smaller sense wire from the "S" terminal on the CS130 to the junction block also. Connect the "L" terminal to the brown wire that runs to the GEN light. Also, be aware of the CS130 issue with ground path. The internal electronics in that alternator are sensitive to ground path. Galvanic corrosion between the rear frame and the steel core for the stator winding causes resistance that can lead to regulator failure. Run a ground strap from the rear frame of the alternator to the block to avoid this problem.

 

Joe , about the wiring modification , what is the new size about the battery wire from alternator to junction block ? have you kept the original battery amps ? i tried to find the correct CS130 like you told me but i don't find the 95 amp model , do you have a link somewhere ?
Thanks

 

I'd like to add -

Don't forget to carefully consider the wire size of the charging circuit with your new retrofit, especially on the chance your new alternator is rebuilt to 100a specs which is common now in any rebuild. You may more then double the charging capacity with the new parts, so planning now saves trouble or fire later.

Also, a factory small pulley on a alternator wants higher belt tension to prevent slipping at low rpm under heavy electrical load, higher belt tension which will cause or radically shorten your 215 water pump bearing and seal life. I like to see a larger pulley on alternator retrofits on older engines for this reason, meaning lower needed belt tension with no slipping due to increased contact area of belt. You can buy one at Summit or anywhere, a copy of factory Chevy hipo big block alternator pulley.