Looking for input on how to upgrade 1973 alternator for EFI/HEI

[Dr. Marneaus]

My alternator is either 37amp or 55 amp. I'm going to be running EFI and potentially HEI.

Whats the best method to upgrade my charging system?

I see everybody go crazy for CS144's, but I don't know how all that works when upgrading from an externally regulated system, and also on a wiring system only designed for 55 amps max....I've done bunches of searching but cant really find much. It looks like MAD Enterprises makes a kit that is aimed at doing this but they dont offer instructions without buying the kit.

Help?

[babywag]

If it was me I'd remove the current one & external regulator.
Not hard to put a 10si in it's place.
Wiring one up is easy peasy.

Did it on my '72 CJ5, and the '73 I had.

[Mike7009]

Here's the link to my post about this. Maybe it will answer some questions.
I also commented on ur facebook post

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=178436

[serehill]

Really

The wiring size has nothing to do with alternator draw. A bigger alternator will not use more power so the wiring is fine. The larger alternator will not change the utilization of the wiring at all or make it use more power. You should target 80 to 100 amps why cut corners.
Th 144 is a great HD alternator & what I run but it isn't necessary on a low electrical use rig.

http://talk.newagtalk.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=95552&mid=677709

http://oljeep.com/gw/alt/edge_Alternator_Theory.html

http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/10si.htm

[Dr. Marneaus]

The wiring size has nothing to do with alternator draw. A bigger alternator will not use more power so the wiring is fine. The larger alternator will not change the utilization of the wiring at all or make it use more power. You should target 80 to 100 amps why cut corners.
Th 144 is a great HD alternator & what I run but it isn't necessary on a low electrical use rig.

http://talk.newagtalk.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=95552&mid=677709

http://oljeep.com/gw/alt/edge_Alternator_Theory.html

http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/10si.htm

those are pretty helpful diagrams, thanks.

I sent you a message over on the other forum but we can talk here if thats easier.

I have found a 10SI that is supposedly "motorola replacment" which means it has a 1" thick mounting ear on the cover. This is a 94 amp rated alt.

I have also found a seller on ebay that provides the aluminum covers that are for Motorola conversions as well. I guess this only pertains to the mounting bracket, however. So if I get a 78-82 mounting bracket or a later style york AC compressor mount (mine is missing the mounting point for a late style alternator bracket) that all becomes a moot point.

I never intend to make this some hardcore electrical rig, but I likely will run a performance coil, the EFI, and either single or dual electric fans in the end. I think 100ish amps would be sufficient for my needs. I'm not sure I'd ever be running a winch or any number of lights, any big sound system or anything like that.

Would you suggest trying to work with that 94 amp motorola replacement unit, or getting something like a powermaster 100amp 10SI and either adapting the cover or my bracketry to work with it?

Andrew,
I gotta tell ya I 'm not a auto parts alternator fan. The specifications mean nothing. I'm A quality alternator guy & have had good luck with the Powermaster ones. I don't think you need more than a 100 amp system if you don't have a winch. You may have to work with some spacers to get he delco to work but it will with later model mount set up. the mount set ups are easy to come by to move the correct type of mount. I have seen the 10 SI in a early model mount I have no idea what it takes to get it to work.

[serehill]

simple

100 amp power mater all the way.