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flybayb Samba Member

Joined: June 09, 2008 Posts: 106 Location: SoCal
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 5:28 pm Post subject: easy alternator/generator conversion (works since 1 year) |
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Howdy kidos
haven't posted for a while, but this is too good not to pass it on.
About a year ago my old (stock) generator decided to retire. With an output of anemic 20 AMPS I was looking for better solutions. Making a long research short, I've found one.
A small 1-wire-racing alternator with an output of 60 AMPS. No big conversion hassle, no cooling tin bending. Connects right to the + pole of your battery (or starter solenoid). Even has an outlet for your idiot light for your dash board. Viola -
The only thing you need is a different belt.
Alternator comes with the pully
Well, it's running now for about a year in my square (~ 10k miles) and no issues. Clean output at 14.5V. Can have car stereo AND bright lights at night!! (I am running even a 500W amp )
Due to the slightly higher voltage output your oil pressure gauge will decrease by ~8 PSI and your oil temp gauge will increase by ~10F.
No big deal once you know it.
I've attached a picture (says more than 1000 words).
I've found the alternator for about $150 at a local dealer. It comes with a 12 month warranty. So, if you are interested, I'll hook you up, so drop me a line.
Cheerio
_________________ Permatex is your friend
1968 Square, dual, stick
1970 Square, FI, auto
1981 Westy, FI, stick
1999 Passat, FI, tip tronic
2004 Bettle conv, FI, tip tronic
2009 Touareg FI, tip tronic |
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Levi Harris Samba Member

Joined: November 09, 2008 Posts: 306 Location: Elk Grove
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 5:52 pm Post subject: |
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Or 55amp for $70 shipped from Kragen. No bending of tins or other hacks. Tad bit of grinding on the alternator and a rivited on shim. Plus it uses the stock pully so adjustments are still possible.
Sorry, had to do it...
So what make and model did that come from? This topic comes up a lot and it would seem everyone is doing something different. _________________ ...and by the power invested in me as God of my world... |
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marchi Samba Member

Joined: August 10, 2005 Posts: 646 Location: Abilene, Texas
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 6:29 pm Post subject: |
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Come on now, make models and where to find them. It's not fair to with hold info  |
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flybayb Samba Member

Joined: June 09, 2008 Posts: 106 Location: SoCal
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 6:38 pm Post subject: |
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Levi Harris wrote: |
Or 55amp for $70 shipped from Kragen. No bending of tins or other hacks. Tad bit of grinding on the alternator and a rivited on shim. Plus it uses the stock pully so adjustments are still possible.
Sorry, had to do it...
So what make and model did that come from? This topic comes up a lot and it would seem everyone is doing something different. |
sooo, you are sorry for WHAT?? Yours is a type 1 alternator.
Well, no grinding on mine, no rivets ... NADA
I personally like the 1-wire hook-up (no external voltage regulator). It also has an internal shut down in case of shortage or overheating. It's basically idiot-proof - Ideal for me ...
I didn't mentioned the make and model? Shame on me ...
It's a GM powermaster racing alternator. _________________ Permatex is your friend
1968 Square, dual, stick
1970 Square, FI, auto
1981 Westy, FI, stick
1999 Passat, FI, tip tronic
2004 Bettle conv, FI, tip tronic
2009 Touareg FI, tip tronic |
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Bobnotch Samba Member

Joined: July 06, 2003 Posts: 23358 Location: Kimball, Mi
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 7:29 pm Post subject: Re: easy alternator/generator conversion (works since 1 year |
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Is that a big hose clamp holding it in place? Just asking, because it kinda looks like one. It's cool that you found something that works though.
So the mounting ears on it weren't a problem? Meaning they cleared everything? If so, do you have a part number? I've got 5 GM dealers within 20 miles of my house. _________________ Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote: |
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
Tram wrote: |
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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orbittron Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008 Posts: 48 Location: Houston
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 7:59 pm Post subject: |
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I've been contemplating one of these mini alternators for an engine build I have been working on. Looking at the schematic it appears to be the same/or close in diameter to a 12v generator - 98mm. Glad to read someone has had good results.
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flybayb Samba Member

Joined: June 09, 2008 Posts: 106 Location: SoCal
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 8:22 pm Post subject: Re: easy alternator/generator conversion (works since 1 year |
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Bobnotch wrote: |
Is that a big hose clamp holding it in place? Just asking, because it kinda looks like one. It's cool that you found something that works though.
So the mounting ears on it weren't a problem? Meaning they cleared everything? If so, do you have a part number? I've got 5 GM dealers within 20 miles of my house. |
yup - it's a big ol' hose clamp.
The alternator fits snug and nice into the mounting. No problem with the mounting ears. Once the housing is in place and tighten by the clamp, it doesn't move. I also covered the hole for the air vent with a piece of aluminum sheet metal.
Between hose clamp and alternator housing I used pieces of aircraft rubber (used for baffling) to reduce vibration.
On the left side of the alternator you'll see a long screw. That's used as a privet to (a) keep the alternator steady in place and (b) to tense the belt.
The basic alternator is made by powermaster motorsports. It's a racing alternator. They refer to it as the GM racing alternator. Their MRSP is about $250. Here in Cali I found a guy who is converting these alternators into a +60AMP version, heat resistant and sealed with a 12 month warranty. He charges $150 a piece. The unit comes with a pully.
So, whoever is interested should drop me a line. The better the order the better the price? On the other hand it's a small shop and I would love to support them a bit. I think this little unit is a perfect powerhouse for a type3.
cheerio _________________ Permatex is your friend
1968 Square, dual, stick
1970 Square, FI, auto
1981 Westy, FI, stick
1999 Passat, FI, tip tronic
2004 Bettle conv, FI, tip tronic
2009 Touareg FI, tip tronic |
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Bobnotch Samba Member

Joined: July 06, 2003 Posts: 23358 Location: Kimball, Mi
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 8:28 pm Post subject: Re: easy alternator/generator conversion (works since 1 year |
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flybayb wrote: |
Bobnotch wrote: |
Is that a big hose clamp holding it in place? Just asking, because it kinda looks like one. It's cool that you found something that works though.
So the mounting ears on it weren't a problem? Meaning they cleared everything? If so, do you have a part number? I've got 5 GM dealers within 20 miles of my house. |
yup - it's a big ol' hose clamp.
The alternator fits snug and nice into the mounting. No problem with the mounting ears. Once the housing is in place and tighten by the clamp, it doesn't move. I also covered the hole for the air vent with a piece of aluminum sheet metal.
Between hose clamp and alternator housing I used pieces of aircraft rubber (used for baffling) to reduce vibration.
On the left side of the alternator you'll see a long screw. That's used as a privet to (a) keep the alternator steady in place and (b) to tense the belt.
The basic alternator is made by powermaster motorsports. It's a racing alternator. They refer to it as the GM racing alternator. Their MRSP is about $250. Here in Cali I found a guy who is converting these alternators into a +60AMP version, heat resistant and sealed with a 12 month warranty. He charges $150 a piece. The unit comes with a pully.
So, whoever is interested should drop me a line. The better the order the better the price? On the other hand it's a small shop and I would love to support them a bit. I think this little unit is a perfect powerhouse for a type3.
cheerio |
I'd be intersted in one, but it would have to wait until later this summer. _________________ Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote: |
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
Tram wrote: |
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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Chim Samba Member

Joined: January 18, 2010 Posts: 218 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 1:26 pm Post subject: |
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Do you have a part number? Because there are SEVERAL different GM Powermaster Racing alternators on Summit.com
Not to be mean or anything.. I would just rather order from them in case anything is wrong.. or any other hassles _________________ www.infowars.com |
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orbittron Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008 Posts: 48 Location: Houston
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Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 5:08 pm Post subject: |
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Here's the part #'s I have for it.
CHEVY MINI ALTERNATOR DENSO STREET ROD RACE 1-WIRE 8162
Replaces Part Numbers:
POWERMASTER 8162
OEM(s): Powermaster
Voltage: 12 Volts
Amps: 60 Amps
Regulator Position: 9:00
Polarity: Negative
Output Stud Dimensions: M6-1.0
New or Remanufactured: New
Approximate Weight: 6.93 lbs / 3.15 kg
Notes:
Internally Regulated/Internal Fan, Includes 3 Prong Self Energizing 1 wire Regulator |
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Paul Wilson Samba Member
Joined: August 30, 2003 Posts: 608
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Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 5:24 pm Post subject: |
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They are on ebay for $109 and free shipping.
Paul |
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cpkaszak Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2011 Posts: 7 Location: Maryland
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:13 pm Post subject: |
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Just got my 71 squareback and has generator issues. I like this conversion. Sooo, what size belt would I need? Anything else like new relays, wiring etc? |
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Mike Fisher Samba Member

Joined: January 30, 2006 Posts: 18042 Location: Eugene, OR
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:28 pm Post subject: |
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Levi Harris wrote: |
Or 55amp for $70 shipped from Kragen. No bending of tins or other hacks. Tad bit of grinding on the alternator and a rivited on shim. Plus it uses the stock pully so adjustments are still possible.
Sorry, had to do it...
So what make and model did that come from? This topic comes up a lot and it would seem everyone is doing something different. |
This Type 1 alternator is the Only one I've liked. _________________ https://imgur.com/user/FisherSquareback/posts
69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,70,71,71,71AT,72,72AT,73 Parts
two 57 oval ragtops sold
'68 Karmann Ghia sold
Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey |
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Fabinstein Samba Member

Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 257 Location: brawltimore
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Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 7:21 am Post subject: |
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my generator just took a crap. what is that T1 alternaor?? i would like to pic one up. _________________ !DCIVW!
+SLOWRIDERS+
69 sunroof square. |
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cpkaszak Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2011 Posts: 7 Location: Maryland
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Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 10:32 am Post subject: |
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Actually, I don't think it's entirely the generator. The wiring is pretty suspect, a lot of electrical tape. |
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patrickmergner Samba Member
Joined: May 28, 2011 Posts: 39 Location: Greensboro NC
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Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:37 am Post subject: |
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question, sorry if it seems like im stealing the thread. im looking to get a audio system running about 300w. would 65A be enough? _________________ 1973 Squareback custom primer paintjob =D |
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Fabinstein Samba Member

Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 257 Location: brawltimore
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Bobnotch Samba Member

Joined: July 06, 2003 Posts: 23358 Location: Kimball, Mi
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 4:11 am Post subject: |
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If I remember right, the 75 amp unit (like the link you posted to) has a larger body on it, which requires cutting the tin to make it fit. The 55 amp unit, just requires grinding some metal off the alternator to make it fit. I hope this helps. _________________ Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote: |
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
Tram wrote: |
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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Fabinstein Samba Member

Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 257 Location: brawltimore
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 1:21 pm Post subject: |
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cool! do i have to change anything else like my voltage regulator? _________________ !DCIVW!
+SLOWRIDERS+
69 sunroof square. |
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Bobnotch Samba Member

Joined: July 06, 2003 Posts: 23358 Location: Kimball, Mi
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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Fabinstein wrote: |
cool! do i have to change anything else like my voltage regulator? |
You'll have to by-pass the VR. I think Dirt posted some pics (or a link) to show what needs to be done. _________________ Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote: |
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
Tram wrote: |
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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