I am thinking of putting a 1 wire GM alternator on my flathead. I still haven't purchased an intake for it. I was wondering if I could mount a GM alternator in the stock location if I used a super dual or triple intake? I really don,t want the hassle/ expense of relocating the bracket, water necks etc. The engine is a 8BA. Any help is appreciated. Thx Matt
I mounted a single wire GM alternator in the stock generator braket, just modified the strap that goes across the generator. The flathead runs 2x2's
Do yourself a favor, before you buy anything, figure out your total amps. As Hot Rod Freak said there are many Brackets, I do not think the GM Alternators will fit a Three (3) carb manifold.
Apparently a super dual or a triple edelbrock using strombergs will work. I went with an offy super dual and used an offset bracket to mount my alternator. I admit it was a bit overwhelming at first to figure out how to re-route the water hose or find the right belt, but it allowed me to use the 94s I already had and the intake that I wanted. PM if you'd like any additional details! -Stefan
It depends on the intake. Some, like the Navarro I am running, have the carbs close together which allows room for a GM 10SI/12SI, while others like the Edelbrock 349 have the carbs spaced farther apart and a smaller shorter alternator would have to be used. This applies to late 8BA's only. You might want to do some research and use the standard 3 wire regulator, with the proper wire connections, instead of the one wire, imo. Bob
Ol boy in Ohio (Becker) makes them fit the stock generator end plate and the wide belt stock pulley. The amps aren't an issue, I think they all make more than the generator but they are rebuilt and tested for output. If he is low on end plates you can get a core discount for supplying one, I think mine was $110 bolt on & go I have had to trim & shim the 2 slingshots I put on others and they aren't as clean a setup. And when scratch building a harness it's so much easier to lay out when doing a one wire. He says it's a lifetime guarantee, and adds the disclaimer that he doesn't know how long that will be.
I like the three wire which is just as easy to do as one wire, except the alt. is excited without revving the engine up and since I drive a lot, if it ever fails, I just pull into an auto parts store and exchange alternators. This is what works for me the best especially with tractors.
As far as mounting is concerned, one wire or three wire isn't the issue (cases are the same). I used the speedway saddle type of mount, which places it in the original position, of where the generator was.
I'm running a GM 12si alternator on my flathead. I made my mount, so getting the right one wasn't an issue and had a pully made to match the 5/8" belt. I made the pully smaller than the original one so it overdrives the alternator a bit. Flatman
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