Questionable alternator...should I upgrade?

streetstang67

Member

Mar 5, 2003

573

0

16

Lexington, SC

Dec 8, 2008

#1

• Dec 8, 2008

• #1

My '67 (289) has a stock replacement alternator and voltage regulator. When I'm idling with the lights on, you can see the lights flicker with the rpm. I didn't used to notice it (years ago) but it has gotten pretty bad over the last couple years, maybe since I added the A/C, but I'm really not sure what caused it. The only electrical system upgrades I've added are a cd player with 4 speakers and an aftermarket A/C kit. Do I need to just replace my alternator, or do I need to upgrade to a 100 amp or so?

What is the load limit on the factory replacement alternator?

Thanks

 

S

streetgrande69

Founding Member

Nov 2, 2002

976

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16

Splendora, Tx

Dec 11, 2008

#2

• Dec 11, 2008

• #2

Alternator upgrade is always a good idea....but that is most likely not your problem....but still a good idea. Sounds like you have a mechanical old style voltage regulator; these do this when they get old. If it’s a larger case....probably a mechanical type. You can get the solid state from any auto parts store. These have a smaller case....actually most places will give that one to you when you buy a replacement anyway. You could try that first and if the problem still exists, I’d replace the alternator with a newer style internal regulator.

Good luck

 

68dustin

Member

Oct 8, 2008

173

2

19

Dec 11, 2008

#3

• Dec 11, 2008

• #3

upgrade....!!! i went with an updated 1 wire and 160 amps. it sounds like your voltage regulator is getting bad, i always had bad luck with those. now that i have upgraded ive noticed ...... easy turn overs, not more dim lights, no light flickers at idle, and my battery now stays full.

 

M

madbrad

Member

Mar 6, 2003

72

0

6

Albuquerque NM

Dec 11, 2008

#4

• Dec 11, 2008

• #4

I upgrade my car with this one, it was easy to do and it look's nice too!

Summit SUM-810303P - Summit® Alternators - summitracing.com

 

rbohm

Founding Member

Apr 12, 2002

6,698

550

204

tucson,az

Dec 11, 2008

#5

• Dec 11, 2008

• #5

one more for upgrading your alternator. but i also agree that likely you have a regulator going bad. have the system tested at your local autozone or checker.

 

G

Grabber70Mach

Member

Jul 6, 2003

305

0

17

Indian Head, MD

Dec 11, 2008

#6

• Dec 11, 2008

• #6

Haven't done it yet but I'm going to do a 3G alt upgrade. Do a search and you will find tons of info on the subject.

 

Hack

15 Year Member

Mar 23, 2004

1,945

13

69

Minneapolis

Dec 12, 2008

#7

• Dec 12, 2008

• #7

Grabber70Mach said:

Haven't done it yet but I'm going to do a 3G alt upgrade. Do a search and you will find tons of info on the subject.

Click to expand...

I did a 3G alternator upgrade on my '70. I LOVE it! It works great and the lights never dim. I like the fact that I'm running a Ford alternator, too. I got mine in a local U pull it junkyard for $25. It was well worth the price!

I highly recommend PA Performance for the wiring kit. Make sure you get the right size wire and fuse to handle the alternator's capacity. You don't want to end up with a fire or anything.