9 hours ago, Bonne61 said:

Hey mate,

The alternator you're referring to  - is that the commonly available 12v/55A one?

If so, what do I need to do to make to work (& any upsides/downsides I should be aware of please?)?

nothing special Paul they are a standard alternator, main trick is to mount it nice a strong and aligned !!! 

they only have 2 temninals power out to the batery and the stimultor wire to your key 

you can rip out the voltage regulator out and just run the wire from there (key power feed) to your new alternator. make up a nice new heavy cable for the power out of the alternator directly to your battery 

Thanks for that.

I wasn't sure, because the Commodore alternators seem to come in a range between 55A & 120A!

Does it need to be a V8 on, or providing the amperage is ok will a 6cyl one work too (only because I can get a 100A in black, but it's for a 6cyl).

6 hours ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

nothing special Paul they are a standard alternator, main trick is to mount it nice a strong and aligned !!! 

they only have 2 temninals power out to the batery and the stimultor wire to your key 

you can rip out the voltage regulator out and just run the wire from there (key power feed) to your new alternator. make up a nice new heavy cable for the power out of the alternator directly to your battery 

Found this...
Black, internally regulated, 1 wire hookup, 100A alternator. Details below:-
 

Holden Red 6 Cylinder 179 186 202 Aeroflow Black Alternator 100 Amp Internal Reg AF4270-1100

Aeroflow has become synonymous with premium quality performance products. Aeroflow's objective has been to incorporate state-of-the-art manufacturing, aerospace quality materials and rigid quality controls to produce quality performance products at extraordinary value, and they’ve done it again with their range of high performance intercoolers.

Aeroflow alternators are manufactured with 100% New components, with completely sealed bearings for reliable operation. Aeroflow alternators have a high Amperage output during idle operation and feature heavy duty internals and regulators for a stable output, and can be wired for either 1-wire or 3-wire installation

Assembled with top quality components and factory load tested to meet or exceed OEM specifications and ensure the highest output possible at low RPM. Supplied in a one-wire hookup configuration enabling you to run a single wire from the alternator to the battery (positive).  Electroplated Black for a functional and durable finish.
Don't waste big dollars having your original alternator rebuilt, when you can buy a Genuine Aeroflow 100 Amp Black Alternator with inbuilt internal regulator at such a bargain price!

Specifications:

Aeroflow AF4270-1100 100 Amp Black Alternator
Electroplated black for a functional and durable finish
Internal Regulator
Can be used in either 1 wire or 3 wire hookup configuration
Self exciting type alternator
Huge 100 Amp output
Factory load tested and certified before being packed
Supplied and fitted complete with matching black alternator pulley
1 year warranty

Fitment Notes:

Suitable to replace existing 1 wire, V-Belt type, internal regulator GM style alternator.
Mounts measure approximately 18mm outside depth on the short side, 51mm outside depth on the long side.
The measurement between the mounts from the inside edge, to inside edge is 159mm.
The measurement between the mounts from the bolt centres is 6.60".
Utilizes the the standard GM 10SI style case with 6.600” bolt centres.
Total length from the front of the rotor shaft to the deepest point at the rear of the case is approximately 165mm.
Please use the above measurements and information to compare to your original alternator, to ensure correct fitment for your vehicle.

Checked with auto elec - it'll work.
Ordered!

Hopefully I'm another step closer to reliability...

8 hours ago, Bonne61 said:

Checked with auto elec - it'll work.
Ordered!

Hopefully I'm another step closer to reliability...

good move Paul ! 

upgrades like that are a no brainer mate 

Here is an update of a few things that are either done or are going to be very soon...

I've swapped the bloody generator for a 120A alternator.

It seems the TH350 auto trans dipstick is as perfect a fit as I'm going to find for a replacement engine oil dipstick (not to mention it's available in Australia, and reasonably priced - amazing🙄). The tube is 600mm long, the stick protrudes a further 15mm (615mm). In US speak, that's 24.2" long. My dipstick is 24 ⅛" (613mm. Gotta be happy about that👏

I'm over trying to find an air cleaner element to fit the stock housing too...so I've ordered a Proflow open air cleaner housing and washable element (14"x3"), and a Pontiac 400-4V decal that I will fit to the top cover. Close enough, and the end of my headaches 🤞

And to top out the list I've ordered a 100 micron (stainless mesh) and a 40 micron (sintered bronze) reusable fuel filter, to make sure nothing other than air & fuel reaches my carby.

Onwards and upwards.

Hi Paul, I'm about to do the same alternator upgrade. The Aeroflow one you fitted - how did it go. Where did you get it from? Were the mounts correct? Would you post some pics so I can see what's going on, although I think the mounting points on your engine are different to mine. FYI, I also gave up and ordered an MSD electronic distributor and matching coil. It seems my engine is being attacked on 3 fronts: alternator regulator, carb & ignition coil. I'm hoping if I throw yet another few thousand at it, it might actually get me from A to B without spluttering and carrying on. It'd be nice just once to go for a pleasant drive. THEN I'll set fire to it.

That dizzy is very cool mate 👍

15 hours ago, Fitzy said:

Hi Paul, I'm about to do the same alternator upgrade. The Aeroflow one you fitted - how did it go. Where did you get it from? Were the mounts correct? Would you post some pics so I can see what's going on, although I think the mounting points on your engine are different to mine. FYI, I also gave up and ordered an MSD electronic distributor and matching coil. It seems my engine is being attacked on 3 fronts: alternator regulator, carb & ignition coil. I'm hoping if I throw yet another few thousand at it, it might actually get me from A to B without spluttering and carrying on. It'd be nice just once to go for a pleasant drive. THEN I'll set fire to it.

Hey Fitzy,

I ordered the alternator from Proflow (VPW). It ended up only costing $150 delivered, as they don't charge delivery for orders over $50. Amazing😃 Delivery was quick, too (ex-Victoria).

Fitment was ok...I needed to "relieve" my upper adjustment bracket (make the hole wider) so the top bolt would fit. And I had to make a lower bracket, as the one for the generator (as big and heavy as an engine mount!) just got in the way. (if you read up on the specs on their website, it'll tell you the exact hole spacing, etc. It's standard Holden fit.

Sorry, can't take any pics for you until I'm back.

As for how well it worked...I really don't know. I couldn't get the car to run after - evidently the coil has shit itself🤬 This was on the last day before I returned to work, so I've ordered a coil (again from VPW) & will try again when I get back.

Auto elec has wired 12v straight to the coil, so all else should be right. And I should, because I really don't believe it will be anymore...that's merely a vague hope🤷‍♂️

So just in case I'm interested in your path...cost of your new setup & how will it be better?

 

Thanks for replying, Paul. I can't find one that cheap but found one that's just a little more. I measured up my old one and all the specs are very close - it'll do.

To be brief: I never got a decent spark out of any distributor set up and it all seems to have come from never getting correct alternator output, so (a) self regulating alternator should fix that once and for all. (b) Pertronix coil must have been faulty because measured resistance increased as it got hot - also coil will get too hot if it's not getting enough juice from alternator because it's having to work hard to produce it's required output. (c) It seems that peeps who know stuff just go straight to MSD. I have given up and threw $1000 at a MSD plug & play distributor and matching coil. That combination should sort the electrics. The carb's fuel problem will be a minor fix. If it isn't, I'll do what Kiwi did and throw ANOTHER thousand on an Edelbrock.

Oh, how I wished I just bolted in an LS crate motor and modern trans combo. Never mind - as you said, onwards & upwards...except for my bank account which is in a Titanic like death dive.

2 hours ago, Fitzy said:

Oh, how I wished I just bolted in an LS crate motor and modern trans combo. Never mind - as you said, onwards & upwards...except for my bank account which is in a Titanic like death dive.

JUSTA remember that this is till cheaper than hookers and blow, and legal too!

I think of it as spending my kid’s inheritance! 

6 hours ago, Fitzy said:

. I have given up and threw $1000 at a MSD plug & play distributor and matching coil

can take it with ya mate when ya die!!! soooo blow it now !!

6 hours ago, Fitzy said:

I'll do what Kiwi did and throw ANOTHER thousand on an Edelbrock.

justA wait till your over and drive my 80k mile  worn 389 with the new edlebrock on it !!!

6 hours ago, Fitzy said:

Oh, how I wished I just bolted in an LS crate motor and modern trans combo. Never mind - as you said, onwards & upwards...except for my bank account which is in a Titanic like death dive.

i have a ls2 and 6l80e sitting on the workshop for..... how bigs your suit case 

3 hours ago, Frosty said:

JUSTA remember that this is till cheaper than hookers and blow, and legal too!

I think of it as spending my kid’s inheritance! 

my kids are excited that i am up grading these old cars !!! that way when i drop off the dont have to fix them !!! 

If they are stick shifts, at least they are considered anti-theft devices here in the US. Millennials don’t know or want to learn how to drive one. My wife is already grousing about how no one else but me can drive the car. 

I’ve never owned a stick before but I learned a long time ago. I’m not particularly good at it, but I get by. I have a feeling I’ll get a lot better at it very soon.

21 hours ago, Fitzy said:

Thanks for replying, Paul. I can't find one that cheap but found one that's just a little more. I measured up my old one and all the specs are very close - it'll do.

To be brief: I never got a decent spark out of any distributor set up and it all seems to have come from never getting correct alternator output, so (a) self regulating alternator should fix that once and for all. (b) Pertronix coil must have been faulty because measured resistance increased as it got hot - also coil will get too hot if it's not getting enough juice from alternator because it's having to work hard to produce it's required output. (c) It seems that peeps who know stuff just go straight to MSD. I have given up and threw $1000 at a MSD plug & play distributor and matching coil. That combination should sort the electrics. The carb's fuel problem will be a minor fix. If it isn't, I'll do what Kiwi did and throw ANOTHER thousand on an Edelbrock.

Oh, how I wished I just bolted in an LS crate motor and modern trans combo. Never mind - as you said, onwards & upwards...except for my bank account which is in a Titanic like death dive.

Yep,

If I had my time over that's exactly what I'd have done. Stuff staying true to Pontiac - that has cost me nothing but time, money and headaches. I should have bought a Chevy🙄

However...if you buy the 140A alternator from Proflow/VPW, there is a discount they give you that you can apply at checkout, which reduces the $180-ish to $150. Bargain!

As this is now the 3rd coil I will be installing in the car (not including the one it came with), & it is on the 3rd distributor, I will invest not one more cent in the standard system. I turn the key and it works, or I rip it all out, ignore the purists, and throw the lot in the bin.

What bothers me though, is a the click of my fingers it will run as smoothly as a new one, yet when it has a "turn" it runs like a bastard. I just cannot work it out, & to date no-one else has been able to either. When the auto elec stood there last week and said he really didn't know what was wrong, but it "must" be the coil, I nearly lost my shit. What does he mean he doesn't know...isn't he the person who is supposed to know?

And yes, my retirement isn't coming any quicker thanks to the bloody car - that is unless I have a stroke trying to sort it out😬

14 hours ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

can take it with ya mate when ya die!!! soooo blow it now !!

justA wait till your over and drive my 80k mile  worn 389 with the new edlebrock on it !!! My Edelbrock is amazing, I must say (well it is when it gets a chance to operate, anyway 🤷‍♂️

i have a ls2 and 6l80e sitting on the workshop for..... how bigs your suit case  What's the postage on that 🤔

my kids are excited that i am up grading these old cars !!! that way when i drop off the dont have to fix them !!! 

 

On 7/8/2024 at 11:45 AM, Frosty said:

JUSTA remember that this is till cheaper than hookers and blow, and legal too!

I think of it as spending my kid’s inheritance! 

It might be cheaper but nowhere near as much fun. I'd rather have white powdery nostrils and, um...empty bags, than greasy hands and dirt in my eyes.

I just read Paul's post. Oh, the humanity! You can feel his pain as he blurts out his unending frustration with his Metal Goddess - as evil a bitch as any other bitch.

At lleast you're not alone - you now  have us to laugh at, I mean support you during these trying times.

I am on third coil, dizzy AND HT leads. Second carby can't be far away. I could have bought a new LandCruiser for similar money by now.

Anyway, can't think like that. Friggin' thing has to come right one day.

I'll catch you up next time we're in the area. It'll be a night of sobbing, cursing & alcohol.

14 hours ago, Fitzy said:

I'll catch you up next time we're in the area. It'll be a night of sobbing, cursing & alcohol.

In what order? Will there be pizza too? 

3 minutes ago, Frosty said:

In what order? Will there be pizza too? 

Sure will - there's a few good places around here.

LMK when you're heading down 🤙

BTW, I was doing a long write up on my progress but somehow lost it (talking to my daughter). So in summary...I've ordered a Pertronix Ignitor 2. The rest you can probably guess from that result🤣

Good luck with the Pertronix. You'll need a matching coil and a solid 12V to that coil. Oh, and you can't use solid core leads, gotta be suppression ones otherwise the EMF can affect the ignition module.

No less than 2 mechanics told me to go with MSD, which at great expense will be fitted next week

My Pertronix coil appeared to be breaking down as it warmed up - an issue that will drive anyone mad trying to diagnose. You might be having a similar problem with your current set up.

30 minutes ago, Fitzy said:

Good luck with the Pertronix. You'll need a matching coil and a solid 12V to that coil. Oh, and you can't use solid core leads, gotta be suppression ones otherwise the EMF can affect the ignition module.

No less than 2 mechanics told me to go with MSD, which at great expense will be fitted next week

My Pertronix coil appeared to be breaking down as it warmed up - an issue that will drive anyone mad trying to diagnose. You might be having a similar problem with your current set up.

After spending @$950 on distributors (which includes getting 1 recurved), @$260 on 4x coils, $350 on a second generator, $150 on an alternator, $180 on leads, @$350 on 4x sets plugs, and countless $$$$ (well over $1000) on auto electricians (all leaving me with a car that is still skiing in my garage not running!), I am in no mood or financial position to be spending another $1000-$1500 on an MSD setup 🤬

Reviews and advice on the Pertronix are both positive (in general), it has cost me a bit over $400, and I can fit it myself. I live in hope 🤞

In all of this it appears as if I've made another contact who is not only experienced with this old stuff, but actually still likes to work on it (and is under 80 years old). Winning, I think 👍

I have had some advice that the Striker coil I purchased in the end would not have been suitable for my standard ignition system, so perhaps would have cooked my condenser (possibly the issue?). But as a man of my word, once I put it together and it didn't run, I've dumped the original shite and gone electronic.

Luckily however, that same coil will be perfect for the Pertronix 😃

Yet another weekend passes that I can't drive my $75000 garage decoration, so I wait...

It will be worth it Paul 👍

2 minutes ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

It will be worth it Paul 👍

One can only hope, my friend.

And believe me, I'm hoping 🤞

 

JustA playin around! Thought I’d see what night lighting the engine bay might look like. 

If the rats at my place even LOOK at my expensive new MSD spark plug wires, they will die.

1 hour ago, Last Indian said:

JustA playin around! Thought I’d see what night lighting the engine bay might look like. 

Pretty sure the JAP crowd, teenagers & pimps should love it 😅

1 hour ago, Fitzy said:

If the rats at my place even LOOK at my expensive new MSD spark plug wires, they will die.

Well there's a bonus to the upgrade I never considered 🤔