Re: alternator and gold box question

[Tom Mandera <tsm1@domain.elided>]

On Tue, 16 Dec 1997, Mark A Pepe wrote:

> 	Anyway, I have a 76 traveler that a previous owner did some funky
> wiring on. The gold box on the firewall is not hooked up. I 've been
> driving it for some time now and have had no problems. The alternator
> looks new so my question is: Does the gold box function as a regulator and

Actually, the gold box replaces the traditional points in your ignition 
system.. part of the distributor, not the alternator.  Two different 
sub-systems.

> 	This probably relates to the early discourse on 63A alternator vs.
> a 35A. At idle my lights are dim and when I rev the engine or drive
> they come up to what I call normal brightness. sound like a lower output
> alt ?

Could be.. but I also seem to recall the thought that the HIGHER output 
alternators only put out more juice at speed, but at idle, they put out 
LESS than one of a "lower" rating.

The solution would be to either turn up the rpm on the alternator 
(pulleys) or use two alternators! double the low power and double the 
high power! :-)  (Hmm.. sounds like a Tom Mandera solution I guess.. oh 
yeah!)

> Alt from a newer bronco being a direct bolt-on. Anyone remember that gets
> the newsletter? I'll look it up and post it if someone doesn't get to it
> before me.

Any GM Delcotron alternator will work.. 90amp or so is the biggest you'll 
find with the 2-wire plug connector.

-Tom Mandera, Helena MT
http://www.tmcom.com/~tsm1/scout
'72 and '77 Scout IIs