Success! Generator to Alternator Conversion

[DietDrThunder]

Today I successfully completed a generator to alternator conversion on my 1963 Chevy.
I probably would have left it with a generator if a rebuilt one wouldn't have cost me over
$300. Instead, I spent $20 on misc. parts, plus $35 (another $20 for the core) for an '73
Camaro alternator from Autozone. Total spent $75. I had to rewire some of the engine
harness since I went from a generator (27amp) with an external voltage regulator, to an
alternator (65 amp) with an internal voltage regulator.

It went from this:

to this:

 

[IcePickFreak]

Noice. How did it work out for mounting it? I'm guessing the 73 Camaro alt is the preferred one to retro-fit for mounting reasons?

 

[DietDrThunder]

It wasn't as easy as just mounting a new alternator. I had to switch the early model
(1960 - 1964) generator / oil filter adapter plate with an alternator / oil filter adapter
plate from a late model Corvair (1965 - 1969). Also, on the '73 Camaro alternator, I had
to take the alternator apart and replace the fan and front housing cover with one from
a late model Corvair (Corvair's alternators rotate in the opposite direction as other GM cars,
so replacement of the fan is crucial or your alternator gets no cooling). Let me tell you, the nut that
holds the alternator fan was a ah heck to take off. In actuality, I could have chosen an
alternator from any GM mid '70's V8 engined car. They were all basically the same,
although some might be clocked different (clocked meaning the orientation of the #1
and #2 connectors), I knew the Camaro's were clocked at 12.

 

[PottedMeat]

Nice. Is that a Delco 10SI family alternator? I used one in my little lawnmower engine powered generator.

That's a funky belt path.

 

[LTC8K6]

Nice. Is that a Delco 10SI family alternator? I used one in my little lawnmower engine powered generator.

That's a funky belt path.

I hope whoever thought of that belt route got a bonus. :biggrin:

 

[KentState]

That engine bay picture is like looking at an M.C. Escher drawing.

 

[exdeath]

Should have just welded the alternator to the motor mount, it would have "just worked" and saved you alot of time.

 

[IcePickFreak]

That engine bay picture is like looking at an M.C. Escher drawing.

Yeah Corsair's definitely are unorthodox in just about every aspect. I've seen a few around and peeked around at em and talked with the owners, but would be interesting to dig into one a bit just because they're so different from anything else.

Should have just welded the alternator to the motor mount, it would have "just worked" and saved you alot of time.

😀