Andy, I don't know which is best but here's what I did. You don't
mention what type of car you have but maybe this will help.
This information came from all the helpful people on this list, and my
own personal experience when I converted my 1969 MGB to a Delco
alternator.
Your first step will be to locate the Delco alternator. These are
available "everywhere" for about $30.00, expect to pay about $15.00 more
if you don't have a core to turn in. Many places will accept a Lucas
alternator as a core but remember the Lucas core may be more valuable
($25.00?). The Delco alternator I used is a 63 amp internally regulated
alternator. It fits 1971 through 1985 GM products. The person at the
parts store may ask you what model the alternator fits, if this happens
just name a GM product ,,,, how about "Camero". It won't really matter
what you guess, I'm pretty sure GM made only one internally regulated 63
amp alternator during that time period.
The mounting points on the Delco alternator are different than the Lucas
alternator, so you will need to mount the Delco alternator in what might
best be described as an upside down position. By doing this the small
mounting ear on the Delco can be mounted to the front side of the water
pump. The opposite side mounting ear (large one) is attached the
adjuster arm. The adjuster arm I used is a universal type; somewhat "J"
shaped with two holes at the top end of the "J" and a long curved slot at
the other end. This can be purchased at a local auto parts store; however
JC Whitney sells them also, I believe their number is 2159Y. If you
check out one of their catalogs you can see an illustration. You will
need to cut 6" off the top of the "J" and drill a new mounting hole, this
hole needs to be drilled as close to the "inside" of the curve as
possible without sacrificing the integrity of the arm. The arm is then
attached to the standard mounting point on the B. You may need to place
some washers/spacers behind the arm at the engine mounting point to
achieve the proper alignment.
On the back side of the alternator you can fabricate a bracket from 3/16"
by ¾" flat stock. Just make some minor bends, and drill two holes at
each end. One end is mounted to the standard alternator bracket on your
engine and the other to the standard mounting bolt on the back of the
Delco alternator. This bracket eliminates any vibration that could easily
break the ear on the water pump or the alternator.
Your B should have three wires plugged into the Lucas alternator; one
large brown, one brown with a yellow tracer, and one small brown. Cut
off the plug that is used for the Lucas (you might want to keep this plug
in case you ever want to "undo" the conversion). The large brown wire is
attached to the large lug on the back of the Delco alternator; you may
want to use an eyelet style crimp terminal on the end of this wire. Buy
the standard plug that plugs into the side of the Delco alternator (your
parts store will have one of these) and wire the remaining two wires to
it. The small brown wire with yellow tracer is attached to the #1 lug and
the small brown wire is attached to the #2 lug.
This installation looks clean and proper (if you can call a Delco
alternator on a B proper!).
The cost for this conversion is approximately:
Alternator $30.00 (if you have a core to trade in)
Plug 2.00
Bracket 12.00
Steel strap 2.00
Total $46.00
This is kinda a "one size fits all" answer; so if any of this doesn't
make sense, or you have questions or additions to this message please
contact me. I will try to help you, and also revise this message so it
will be of more help to others on the list.
Good luck!
On Mon, 30 Jun 1997 16:45:52 -0700 aramm <aramm@concentric.net> writes:
>What is a good recommended alternator to upgrade the stock Lucas one.
>I've heard talk of a Delco unit being a direct drop-in replacement.
>Does anybody know which is best?
>
>Thanks!
>
>Andy
>--
>
>Andy Ramm
>aramm@concentric.net
>Fire brewed, cold filtered, double hopped, beachwood aged....
>
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