GM Alternators

I am somewhat dismayed by some of the comments here. Some folks might read these and conclude that mopar alternators bad, "1 wire" magically good."

I owned my first 69 RR in 1970 for a short time, then my 70 in about early 72. By about 75 or 6 I had a clapped out 64 FJ-40 Landcruiser with a 360 swapped in, then later a 340. I at first had a Mopar 70/ later style alternator regulator, and then, later, one of the big 105A big frame Mopar units, with the same flat Mopar electronic regulator.

The day I sold the 70RR and at the time I pulled the engine from the FJ-40, they both had original OEM Chrysler regulators. The one of the Landcruiser was a Chrysler junk yard unit

Here is the truth

1..."1 wire" are not some magic bullet. MOST OF the troubles with Mopar charging systems are IN THE HARNESS, bulkhead connector, or even voltage drop right in the ign. switch.
2... Many other problems are due to simple confusion between the older grounded field (pre 70) or isolated field (70/ later)

3...Other problems come from POOR REBUILTS which often come with an (incorrect) shorted field connection, causing either harness damage or "full field" output

3...As mentioned, the bulkhead connector is a huge problem WHEN using LARGER alternators and or INCREASED load, such as pumps, fans, or even big stereo amps

I DO AGREE that the older Mopars can be poor performers at low RPM. Actually, they are no different in this respect than the earlier Ford/ GM alternators, or at least not by much

As to the "magic bullet" effect of 1 wire alternators

IF YOU PUT a "1 wire" outfit on ANY rig, make CERTAIN that the charge path---ALL OF IT, EVERY SINGLE terminal and wire, from the alternator to the battery, IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT, and OVERSIZED That is an absolute MUST

The other issue I have with "1 wire" is that it complicates disconnect hookups IF YOU trunk mount a battery, and then show up at NHRA. I've discussed this before. Leaving a large charge wire HOT all the way from the alternator to the battery IS NOT IN MY OPINION, either the spirit of the disconnect rule, NOR IS IT SAFE if YOU are the guy hanging in the harness hoping help will arrive, before the welding cable to the alternator burns something down.

IF you trunk mount a battery, I urge you to do whatever necessary to kill the alternator charge wire for safety


Now before you think I am just plain "again" these, the old Farmall has had a Delco "1 wire" hanging on the thing since the day it arrived here.