Upgrade ideas

[old timer]

How about some ideas , tried and true hopefully , on upgrading the old Mopar systems that make the ampmeter needle dance , lights dim , etc . Parts and steps to take would be a good starting point .

 

[69 Runner]

One of the most common reasons for the lights dimming is the underdrive like alternator pulley the HP cars had from the factory. Change the pulley to a smaller diameter one and it cures a lot of that problem.

Jumping gauges is caused by the voltage limiter. It has a set of mechanical contacts that get stuck from time to time. The fix is to replace it with a new electronic one.

 

[AdamR]

MAD Electrical has wiring diagrams on there site to by pass the amp gauge

 

[rumblefish360]

I installed a later model (79 engine) Alt and brackets etc... in a '74 Duster. I think the wires for the Alt hook up should be uipgraded to thicker wires myself. But I have yet to get there. Also, a guage of more than 40 amps would be good. I happen to have a old MP 60 amp guage on hand for use of this.

Otherwise, deleating it in favor of a volt meter would be better.

The voltage limited, IVR can can be swapped out in favor of a newer unit or follow directions from a old Moparmusclue mag on a DIY with radio shack parts. I have done this with long lasting results. No more swing gauges at all.

 

[Gary67]

How about some ideas , tried and true hopefully , on upgrading the old Mopar systems that make the ampmeter needle dance , lights dim , etc . Parts and steps to take would be a good starting point .

One thing I did on my 67 car is put relays for the headlights..The main power going through the bulkhead connector is a sore spot...You use the old head light power wires as triggers for the relays...Lights are nice and bright..I think the madd site has that info also..

 

[Big_John]

There's some good stuff here:

http://www.allpar.com/history/mopar/electrical.html

 

[Plumcrazy]

I installed one of Mancini Racings Nippondenso alternators. What a difference!

I can sit at idle in gear with the headlights,heater,wipers and stereo going, with the ammeter still showing a slight charge. No more dim lights or slow wipers.

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[rumblefish360]

Easy to install?
Extra parts needed?
Pit falls if any?

 

[mguner]

I installed one of Mancini Racings Nippondenso alternators. What a difference!

I can sit at idle in gear with the headlights,heater,wipers and stereo going, with the ammeter still showing a slight charge. No more dim lights or slow wipers.

Is that the "one wire" hook up? No field wires used?

 

[Plumcrazy]

Easy to install?
Extra parts needed?
Pit falls if any?

Mechanically all I needed was some different spacers, bolts and a 1 inch shorter belt.

Electrically it was very easy to install. You need the two wire alternator electrical connector that you can get from a 2000 minivan or truck. Other years will work but I'm not sure how much older or newer than that are the same.

I used the original battery feed wire and connector.

The two wire connector needs to have an ignition feed and a voltage sense wire. If you have a 70 or newer just use the blue field wire for your ignition feed. A 69 or older will need a wire run from the J2 circuit.

The voltage sense wire should be connected to the large post on the starter relay.

After that you have a nice steady charging system.:yes:

 

[old timer]

Plumcrazy...any chance you could draw up a simple diagram of your hook-up ? Thanks .

 

[Plumcrazy]

Plumcrazy...any chance you could draw up a simple diagram of your hook-up ? Thanks .

If you use the alternator from Mancini this is what the electrical connector will look like.

I connected the sense wire to the large terminal at the starter relay. It's what the internal regulator uses to sense system voltage.

The ignition terminal get connected to the J2 circuit. If it's a 70 or newer just use the blue field wire. On a 69 or older you need to run a wire to where you want to tie into the J2 circuit.

I didn't use the lamp terminal. I think it provides a ground for the charge warning light if you have one.