Alternating Opinions: We Answer Common Charging Questions

Q
I’m going to install a serpentine belt system on the small-block Chevy in my 1949 Ford. It appears that it will make the alternator spin backward. I’ve been told by some friends I need to buy a new alternator while others say it will work spinning backward. I’m counting on you for the right answer.

John Ahern
Via the Internet

A
The short answer is no, you don’t need to buy a new alternator as yours will work spinning either direction.

Q
I’m about to wire by 1946 Ford with a 350 Chevy engine and I’m trying to decide what to use for an alternator. I’d like to use a one-wire alternator just to keep things simple, but I’m concerned about the charging rate at slow speeds. My other concerns are how big an alternator should I use and how that determines what size charge wire I should use.

A.B. Parks Jr.
Via the Internet

A
There’s no denying that one-wire alternators simplify wiring, a big plus. You didn’t mention the car or engine involved, but Tuff Stuff offers one-wire alternators for GM, Ford, and Mopar applications.

As for low speed charging, Tuff Stuff has developed components for their alternators that they say, “Will keep your battery charged at a crawl.”

As for selecting the output of an alternator, Tuff Stuff advises, “The sky is the limit. The more amperage the better. As long as the alternator can fit into your brackets, you can put any size alternator on your vehicle. The voltage regulator will control the amount of amperage that the battery needs to run your accessories. Please note: It is imperative that you increase the size of your charge wire if you are upgrading to a higher amp alternator. Insufficient wire gauge size can cause fire due to heat created by resistance.”


 

Grounding Tips From Painless Performance:
It has been found than an extra ground strap from the alternator case to the engine block helps increase overall alternator output. The reason why is still being discussed, but sometimes powdercoating and chrome won’t allow needed alternator grounding. As the old saying goes, “You can’t have too many grounds.”

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