If you connect the alternator output to the same wire that the old alternator
was that goes to the ammeter, then, yes, you can blow the ammeter. The
suggested wiring for a GM alternator is to run the alternator directly to
the battery, that way you don't run the alternator current through the
ammeter. There are two down sides to this though. First the alternator is
of no use after the alternator is swapped out, and, unless you add a charge
light you won't know when the alternator is not charging.
On my 67.5 I have a 63 Amp alternator. I replaced my ammeter with a 60 Amp
ammeter, but didn't upgrade the wiring yet. I am in the process of designing
a new wiring harness for the 67.5 and plan on replacing the ammeter with a
volt meter and charge light. 67.5's have split instruments and I found that
the volt meters from late Z's fit in the case just fine! I haven't looked
in to full size volt metrs, but there are probably some out there that could
be used to replace the ammeter, which, if you wire the alternator directly
to the bettery will always show a discharge.
Also, don't forget to put a fusable link between the alternator and the battery.
Peace,
Pat
--
- Support Habitat for Humanity, A "hand up", not a "hand out" -
Pat Horne, Network Manager, Shop Supervisor, Future planner
CS Dept, University of Texas, Austin, Tx. 78712 USA
voice (512)471-9730, fax (512)471-8885, horne@cs.utexas.edu
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