I converted my 55 TBird to an alternator using a Casco kit.  (www.classictbird.com)   The alternator in this kit uses an internal regulator.  I'm not sure of the manufacturer.  It allows you to retain the external voltage regulator for appearances sake.   The addition of this alternator has been one of the best upgrades I have done to my car. 

You'll get a lot of comments, many here are pretty pro Ford. I've used several GM's, but my comment apply to any alternator.

All the ones I've used have the regulator built in. I don't like 1 wires. I've had too many occasions were the charge at the battery is low, and using a 3 wire solves that. I'm sure there's ways around it, but 3 wire works for me.

The wiring from the gen set to the regulator/battery is sized for the oem gen set. Fitting a large alternator (for the condenser fan, clutch, etc) may very well overload it. My bird is efi, electric main and condenser fan, power everything, and to carry the full load at night with a/c, wipers, headlights, etc. I had to increase the wire size all the way to the battery. The car is rewired, and that and relays took care of the rest of it. Kind of overkill, but if it's hot , dark, and raining that is not the time to get stuck.

Some of the kits to put GM alternators on a y block are pretty cheesy. You can probably make your own coming off the gen bracket, someone here will problem post their solution. Cheaper too.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I’m looking to replace my generator with an alternator while I install my A/C.

Thoughts? Anyone know which part number or amperage is good, does anyone know what wires need to be put where, and can I keep my original voltage regulator?


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Anna, Tx