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3 Wire or 1 wire alternator???

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bld22663

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Okay guys, I am looking for the best advice. My 67 Camaro has electronic ignition, A/C and a high output stereo. I would also like to install an electric fan some day and I know the stock alternator will not work because it has difficulty keeping up now. I have searched the net and found a number of different opinions concerning converting my car to a 1 wire alternator. Some say the wiring would not be heavy enough to accomodate a 100 amp alternator. Others say that you do not get the amperage throughout the electrical system like you would receive from the 3 wire. I know that you would lose your gen. light in the dash but I have voltage gauge to cover this issue. Should I or should I not covert to the 1 wire?:confused:
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Yes, I did read this information. This article changed my thought process and made me come here and ask some questions. All of my car buddies have switched to 1 wire and they speak highly of the benefits but never mention the downfalls. I am only looking for some honest opinions.
Thanks,
 
#4 ·
ok freind installed 1 wire on his camaro and touted the benifits etc.
I told him its ok on a drag car etc but not on the street.
After 3 years and 2 batteries he finally came with the assumption that the 1 wire system isnt all that .
the MFG. did alot of research and didnt go with a 1 wire from the factory for a reason.
 
#6 ·
Buy a PowerMaster 100 amp alternator. It can be used either way, 1 or 3 wire, buy an alternator conversion harness, part#27555, from M & H Electrical Fabricators and keep it in the glove box if you choose to run the alternator on 1 wire. If the internal voltage regulator in the alternator dies, you can use the conversion harness to go back to the traditional 3 wire connection and you won't be stuck on the side of the road. I'm runnin' a 100 amp PowerMaster on 1 wire and have the conversion harness in the car for just such an emergency. Just my .02
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Okay. Based on what I am reading, I think I will stick with the 3 wire for now. Can anyone tell me if they make a 3 wire alternator capable of producing more than 65 amps or if I would see any benefits from increasing the amperage?
 
#8 ·
Good decision on the 3-wire set-up. An alternator will only output the amperage stamped on the case at full field voltage.

You can't 100 amps from a 65 amp alt.
If going to a heavier amp alt, upgrade the 10 AWG wire to 8 AWG wire for less current loss.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
I have decided to go with the 1 wire alternator. A friend of mine has a brand new PowerMaster 100 amp that he will sell cheap. Question is; I'm told that all I have to do is run a hot wire from the post on it to the hot side of the starter and leave everything else alone. Is this true???
 
#12 ·
Since a one-wire alternator has no ability to compensate for line losses, you want to run a large wire directly to your main power distribution point. If the starter is used as such, this is where the wire should go.
 
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#15 ·
Use the MAD alt. system or better yet go with their New System. You will be able to get yourself a higher amperage alt. (3 w), not lose your alt. light and be set up for your future upgrades that you are considering. Along with powering up your hi output stereo. There's probably a reason your friend is selling it cheap. The Mad System also uses fuseable links. Talk with Mark he will give you so much info. Your elec. system will work better and your head and dash lights will be brighter. I have done this with my 69.
 
#16 ·
I understand the benefits of running a 3 wire with the sense line, but a one wire works well for most applications and makes for a cleaner engine bay. At least in my opinion. I've had one in my '68 for 4 years now. Same battery and it's always at 14V when running. No matter what the load is.
 
#17 ·
The downsides of 1-wire are that it doesn't turn on until you rev the engine and can turn off when you didn't mean for it to, and you don't have an idiot light. I prefer 3-wire, and usually run the sense around to the BAT lug on the back, so that there are only two wires going to the alternator (BAT and the idiot light).
 
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Discussion starter · #18 ·
The alternator I plan on using is a 105amp "CS" series. Is there anyone using this type and this amperage? If so, are you having any problems with the stock wiring harness? I contacted M & H Elec. Fab. and a technician informed me that I would be running on the edge concerning the load on the current wiring even if it is good shape. He stated that "it could" cause a melt down.
 
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bld22663
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