-
Hi Guest!
If you appreciate British Car Forum and our 25 years of supporting British car enthusiasts with technical and anicdotal information, collected from our thousands of great members, please support us with a low-cost subscription. You can become a supporting member for less than the dues of most car clubs.
There are some perks with a member upgrade!**Upgrade Now**
(PS: Subscribers don't see this gawd-aweful banner
Hey - did you know if you click on the title of a thread it will take you to the first unread post since you last visited that thread?
but were afraid to ask: 
STOP!! Never post your email address in open forums. Bots can "harvest" your email! If you must share your email use a Private Message or use the 
smilie in place of the real @
Pretty Please - add it to our Events forum(s) and add to the calendar! >> 
one-wire alternator conversion
- Thread starter JKent
- Start date
Share this page
You can go to www.hendrixwirewheel.com for tech tips and kits. Wheelguy
I purchased an alternator conversion kit from AH Spares.
Didn't want Chevy parts on my car. (But they probably are better)
Warning lamp is still functional.
Included mounting bracket is somewhat stout.
I attached the coil to the alternator using my existing coil bracket.
Didn't want Chevy parts on my car. (But they probably are better)
Warning lamp is still functional.
Included mounting bracket is somewhat stout.
I attached the coil to the alternator using my existing coil bracket.
RAC68
Darth Vader
Offline
I would not recommend a 1-wire alternator as its responsiveness to the changes in electrical demand is less than a 2-wire alternator. Also, a 1-wire alternator is more expensive and, as a specialty item, will be more expensive than its standard 2-wire counterpart. Additionally, the installation of a 2-wire system is not difficult and make up the overwhelming number of Healey conversions with a massive amount of experience and knowledge held by members of the BCF alone. Last, you charge light will work as usual.
As far as the choice of alternators, the commonly available Delco 10SI (65 amp max output) remains your cheapest choice with Japanese alternatives coming up because of their small size. Mountings range from a specially casted side plate from Denis Welsh Motorsport on the very nice but expensive side, Hendrix Wire Wheel for a complete alternator conversion kit, to a DIY at the least expensive end.
As an example, I chose the DIY approach at a total cost of $70 with a Delco 10SI 2-wire ($35). Adding a double pulley at $15, I was able to install Delco on my existing generator mount with the use of 2 washers, a 4”+ piece of pipe to take up the space between alternator and rear engine mount ($4), and a long bolt ($1.20). A universal adjuster was purchased ($15), cut down to fit, and mounted on the opposite side of where the original adjuster was mounted.
Although others can provide additional alternative approaches, please keep in mind that each commercially-available mount will support specified alternators. Also, keep in mind there are differences, among Healey models, in generator mount spacing (generator length) and placement, as well as pulley V width. When choosing a more modern alternator, make sure you can get and install a compatible V-pulley.
Hope this helps,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
As far as the choice of alternators, the commonly available Delco 10SI (65 amp max output) remains your cheapest choice with Japanese alternatives coming up because of their small size. Mountings range from a specially casted side plate from Denis Welsh Motorsport on the very nice but expensive side, Hendrix Wire Wheel for a complete alternator conversion kit, to a DIY at the least expensive end.
As an example, I chose the DIY approach at a total cost of $70 with a Delco 10SI 2-wire ($35). Adding a double pulley at $15, I was able to install Delco on my existing generator mount with the use of 2 washers, a 4”+ piece of pipe to take up the space between alternator and rear engine mount ($4), and a long bolt ($1.20). A universal adjuster was purchased ($15), cut down to fit, and mounted on the opposite side of where the original adjuster was mounted.
Although others can provide additional alternative approaches, please keep in mind that each commercially-available mount will support specified alternators. Also, keep in mind there are differences, among Healey models, in generator mount spacing (generator length) and placement, as well as pulley V width. When choosing a more modern alternator, make sure you can get and install a compatible V-pulley.
Hope this helps,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
Offline
Go to my link below to see the wiring diagram to change the BJ7 control box for alternator use.
The advantage to a Chevy alternator is .... if you have any trouble while on a road trip you can take it to any NAPA or Autozone in the country and get a replacement right then. You will not have to wait on the side of the road for a week waitng on a Lucas alternator comming from England. If you bought a lifetime alternator it will also be free. EVERYONE carries a Chevy alternator.
Wheelguy
Wheelguy