BBC Alternator Conversion

If there is a more appropriate forum than this one, feel free to clue me in. Some people call me "newbie". Anyhow, I am working on a BBC so here I am:

I dropped an 80's MkIV 454, with an alternator from an '88 BBC pickup, into my '65 biscayne, original wiring harness, external regulator mounted to the crossmember, etc...

Question: My "new" alternator has a 4-prong plug (1 lg, 3 sm), plus the battery terminal...the plug (connector) on my harness only has two wires, not four. Thus...they do not mate together. How to rectify and mate up?

I dont know much about alternators.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 65cayne

If there is a more appropriate forum than this one, feel free to clue me in. Some people call me "newbie". Anyhow, I am working on a BBC so here I am:

I dropped an 80's MkIV 454, with an alternator from an '88 BBC pickup, into my '65 biscayne, original wiring harness, external regulator mounted to the crossmember, etc...

Question: My "new" alternator has a 4-prong plug (1 lg, 3 sm), plus the battery terminal...the plug (connector) on my harness only has two wires, not four. Thus...they do not mate together. How to rectify and mate up?

I dont know much about alternators.

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you need to go to a one wire alt. or put the old type alt. that came on the 65. i'd go with the one wire.

Your wiring harness was made for an externally regulated alternator. The new alternator is internally regulated. You don't have to buy another alternator.

You can buy a conversion kit from these guys for $19.00

Click on "Custom Mods" Part # 27555

http://www.wiringharness.com/

Or, these guys Part # VAK6368SI $15.00

http://www.lectriclimited.com/mainpage.htm

Click on "Conversion Kits, then on "On-line Catalog", select "GM CHEVROLET FULLSIZE" 1958 & UP, then enter "1965", then scroll down to "CONVERSION/UPDATE KITS AND MODIFICATIONS.

I could look up a wiring diagram, but with these kits, you get good connectors, and you don't have to splice wires.

Call one of them and make sure you get the right part.

Jack has given you some good tips. If you would like some interesting reading on improving electrical system performance on 60-70 vintage cars check out the tech articles here:

http://www.madelectrical.com/

I have applied a number of his suggestions and they do work.

Pat

You guys have all been a great help ! One more item checked off "the list of things to do".
The response on this site is outstanding.