Possible to use same alternator for Non-AC and AC applications?

[SureGrip]

On my '74 RR, I currently have no alternator, brackets, wiring, etc.

I've ordered a new harness, but still need an alternator so I can run the car. The car will have PS (still need to buy that too), and will eventually have AC put back in it (down the road).

My understanding is that I need an alternator with one grove and a specific bracket for a motor with no Ac, and a 2-grove alternator and yet another bracket when I add AC.

I'm wondering, will I need to buy one alternator and set of alternator brackets for now, and then need to buy a whole new setup when I add the AC down the road? Or, can I just get a 2-grove pulley and bracket and run it without AC?

I'm interested in hearing other's setups and experience.

 

[oldbee]

2 groove should be fine.

 

[monaco66coupe]

just stick with two groove but get the higher output alternator.

 

[Car Nut]

I’m running a A/C alternator with non A/C, no problems.

 

[monaco66coupe]

The regulator controls the alternator, and allows the required amps for the particular engine/application. , so a larger alternator then is needed is not a problem. Two small is a problem.

 

[beanhead]

It's fine, you just won't be using both pulley grooves. I've got no A/C, but when I needed a replacement the A/C alternator was a little bit higher amperage and also about 15 bucks cheaper than the non-A/C unit.

 

[monaco66coupe]

It's fine, you just won't be using both pulley grooves. I've got no A/C, but when I needed a replacement the A/C alternator was a little bit higher amperage and also about 15 bucks cheaper than the non-A/C unit.

very true, the minimum was 33 amps, then 45, then 60 amps. Bigger is always better, then the 70's cop cars and my 77' Cordoba has a 100 amp alternator. ( tow package)

 

[Kern Dog]

That 100 amp Chrysler alternator was a monster! It weighed as much as a stock starter and required some very specific brackets. Later, a Nippondenso version came out making around 100 amps but was smaller than the 33/45/60 unit.

 

[beanhead]

very true, the minimum was 33 amps, then 45, then 60 amps. Bigger is always better, then the 70's cop cars and my 77' Cordoba has a 100 amp alternator. ( tow package)

Yep as long as wiring is sized accordingly if you go bigger..

 

[SureGrip]

I'm looking at the PowerMaster 95amp unit.

My main concern is the alternator/belts not lining up properly if I use an AC pulley and bracket setup without AC.

 

[beanhead]

I'm looking at the PowerMaster 95amp unit.

My main concern is the alternator/belts not lining up properly if I use an AC pulley and bracket setup without AC.

Mine is this setup, lines up fine, using the 2-groove non-a/c crank pulley with no shims or spacers. 440.

 

[monaco66coupe]

I'm looking at the PowerMaster 95amp unit.

My main concern is the alternator/belts not lining up properly if I use an AC pulley and bracket setup without AC.

that is true, the two bracket setups are different, as the two pulley was mainly factory A/C, with the crank pulley also being different.

 

[SureGrip]

Mine is this setup, lines up fine, using the 2-groove non-a/c crank pulley with no shims or spacers. 440.

Thanks!

 

[Nacho-RT74]

The deal with the brackets FOR BIG BLOCK AT LEAST is just because non AC cars use the alt bracket locations where the compressor will use them for the compressor, while AC cars gets the alt bracket deeper into the water pump housing. This makes the alt bracket fit behind the front alt ear on AC cars, while in front of the front alt ear on non AC cars.

This also makes to change the lenght of the rear alt spacer.

Rest remains the same

 

[SureGrip]

I bought the missing pieces for my AC alternator setup. I had 2 of the three brackets, but was missing the small bracket that mounts to the front of the head on B-engine applications. I also got the bolt/hardware package.

I already had the 2-grove cam pulley and 4-grove crank pulleys. Also bought the PowerMaster 95amp square-back alternator.

I had to buy a new PS pump and bracket set as I had 4 pumps, but not one had a complete bracket set with it and all 4 were different. Lol.

Thanks to everyone for their help/input.