I have a 302 in the coupe. I want to rewire the car. Plan on a Centech Kit and harness. Give me the pros and cons on retaining a Ford Voltage regulator and earlier alternator (the current set up) VS a later model one wire. If I go with the one wire, whats the recommendation. Other than the motor and the rear the car is definately Old School. Thanks....Bob
I don't see it makes much differance the style of alt. You can get them both in high amp output if needed. The obvious thing with the 1 wire is that there is only one wire to hook up. Also if you need to replace it at some time it is more likely most parts house will have the one wire in stock than the old style one. I've installed one of the Centech kits and didn't personally care for it. The fuse block looks Kool but is very fradgil. Where you install the fuses the reciever is just a female spade connector sodered and standing un-supported. When not very careful installing the fuse it bends. They also use a crush connector for all wire at the block and after a little driving they can and do come loose. After fighting with the hole program and my customer blowing his own fuse I tore it all out and went with an E-Z Wire kit and no more problems. I highly recomend re-***essing what your going to use. The Wizzard
Its six of one or half a dozen of the other. Neither alt could be considered old school. I like the 1 wire. easy to get high amp output, easy to wire up, easy to replace on the side of the road, etc. But I wouldn't rewire "MY" ford just to get the one wire. On the otherhand if I were rewiring my ride anyway I'd go with the one wire and loose the external regulator. Not old school but definately cleaner.
286merc GOT IT !!! You DON'T want a one-wire .... read the site --it will explain ALL !!! by the way...go to your local parts store and ask for a one-wire alternator---SUPRISE !!!! They are AFTERMARKET only!! Jersey Skip
I have the Centech kit in my 36,as wellas a 1-wire alt. It all works great.I would use both components again,as I've had good luck with both. Nothing else works right on my truck,but the electrics are GREAT! Chuck Fish
This is just my .02....BUT... go read the site.... from MY OWN experience..... put a one wire 120 amp on my 396 Studebaker with Dakota Digital gauges...ACCURATE AS HELL !!! When I start the car---13.2 volts....turn on the headlights.....12.8 volts....turn on the heat (low) 12.6 volts..(high) 12.2 volts !!!!! If I read voltage off the alternator lug--It's FINE !!! A LOT of difference between alt. and the "real world voltage" at the accessories.....changed to a 3 wire...ran the sensing wire to the main power block (changed to a SMALL 63 amp alternator too...)Now the gauge is 13.2 or BETTER no matter WHAT I've got runnin'....INCLUDING a BIG electric fan.... the site made me a believer...... Jersey Skip
OOPS...sorry guys... add ONE VOLT to the "start" number (it's like 14-14.2...DUH !!!)(battery always had like 14 but the acessory feeds were low---read the site-- ) musta' had a Freudian skid..... Jersey skip
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