Alternator vs. Generator

[Rick Meredith]

Should I make the change from generator to alternator?

Now would be the time to do it since I have to buy a tower anyway. Fuel pump won't be an issue as I'm running an electric. I would have to buy an alternator but I still have the generator that was in the car.

[The Action Is Go]

Stay original and keep the Generator unless you really "need" the Alternator. 

[Zach Gomulka]

Generator!

[The Action Is Go]

And if you do switch I'll buy your Generator.

[Jon]

Generator please, and if you need a Alternator, get a German one (for the looks).

[Rennsurfer]

Should I make the change from generator to alternator?

No.

[Larry S]

Generator! when I built this 1776 last year I stayed with the generator, it worked great and kept the old school look I wanted.
Larry

[TexasTom]

I'll always run a generator, mainly for one reason:

Probably back in '91-'92 I was cruizing in my '67 ... bone stock exterior, lowered with chrome wheels, 4.5s front & 5.5 rear, 145/175 michelins, VW blue, 2110 with unwelded Fumio heads (40X35), Berg 42s, etc ... Oh to have it back! Anyhow, ran a few 0-70mph blasts against some unsuspecting V8s . On the way home, just as I'm accelerating HARD onto the highway BOOM, sudden burst of power! I shut it down immediately ... broke the belt It was about 1:00 am, pitch black outside except for a street light about 50 yards away, so I had a little light. No spare belt, so I grounded the field @ the regulator turning it into a motor (POW!), instant cooling system. I ran it easy the 15 or so miles back to my apartment with no problems & catastrophe averted!
It's probably happened 4 or 5 times to me over the years and I've never been left in the dark.

Another vote for GENERATOR.

In my '58 US build, I'm hoping to run a 356 12V unit to keep it all real
 

[SlingShot]

What! Solar Panels aren't in the equation?   

[Rick Meredith]

What! Solar Panels aren't in the equation?   

Well I was thinking a pocket sized nuclear reactor until the whole Japan thing 

[Derjava66]

The only reason for an alternater is if you need extra amps for say a huge stereo, and we all know no vw needs that crap!
Another vote for keepin it old school!

[volkskris]

I'll always run a generator, mainly for one reason:

Probably back in '91-'92 I was cruizing in my '67 ... bone stock exterior, lowered with chrome wheels, 4.5s front & 5.5 rear, 145/175 michelins, VW blue, 2110 with unwelded Fumio heads (40X35), Berg 42s, etc ... Oh to have it back! Anyhow, ran a few 0-70mph blasts against some unsuspecting V8s . On the way home, just as I'm accelerating HARD onto the highway BOOM, sudden burst of power! I shut it down immediately ... broke the belt It was about 1:00 am, pitch black outside except for a street light about 50 yards away, so I had a little light. No spare belt, so I grounded the field @ the regulator turning it into a motor (POW!), instant cooling system. I ran it easy the 15 or so miles back to my apartment with no problems & catastrophe averted!
It's probably happened 4 or 5 times to me over the years and I've never been left in the dark.

Another vote for GENERATOR.

In my '58 US build, I'm hoping to run a 356 12V unit to keep it all real
 

do you have any pics of that 67 Tom? sounds like a cool car (sorry for the OT)

[T.Fabs]

Generator rules!!!!
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[javabug]

Alternator, for two reasons.

1. I upgraded to an alternator on my '67.

2. Eveyone else has said generator so far.

 

[qubek]

Should I make the change from generator to alternator?

Can I answer with a question: "What for?"

Not for the looks I guess. And from a practical point of view, generator works, doesn't it? 

[Cheesepanzer]

Wow, I had no idea that in our hobby the alternator had become such an evil piece.  A few years back everyone was saying it was a good idea to switch to an alternator because it was more efficient than the old generator. 

I've converted two of my VW's to alternators using Motorola units.  VW moved to the alternators in the later model years.  So you upgrade to a doghouse shroud (71+ models) in your pre-70 VW's, but you won't upgrade to a 1974-ish VW factory upgrade?   

I won't run the new aftermarket units, but I'll run an original Type 1 Motorola or Bosch unit without worry.  Single wire hook up, no regulator (unless you run the external regulator style), and its a more efficient charging system.

 

[Nico86]

Depends what you do with the car. On a street cal-look the generator is good looking and is probably more than enough. If you are rallying with a Tripmaster, a radio, 2 batteries and 4 or 6 additional lights...  

[TexasTom]

Just a quick recommendation, especially those running an (evil) alternator ...
Even if you have recently replaced the wiring harness (as opposed to using the 20-50 year old wiring(!)), consider running an additional charge wire from the alternator to the starter or all the way to the battery. I like to use the 8-6 guage cable easily purchased from stereo shops and the like ... fine-braid, highly conductive, copper cabling ... You will more than likely see a boost in your voltage to the fuseblock and generally a happier electrical system.
If you have masochistic tendencies, then by all means run a new, updated charge wire from your generator/alternator to the regulator under the seat/battery/fuseblock. ... Also a great idea fror you diehard 6V guys! Ugh!

[Neil Davies]

I suppose it depends on what you want from the car. If I was running my full MSD ignition system, then an alternator is the way to go - the MSD is so picky on getting a decent supply of electrickery. The slightest drop in battery performance seems to hammer the complete system.
A pure cal looker with an 009/010 distributor or a Mag would look odd with an alternator though.

[Fiatdude]

I'm going to make my vote for the flux capacitor

I'm really believe in the old school look, which I'm using on my '56, so I went with the Generator as you can see 

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[Rick Meredith]

I suppose it depends on what you want from the car. If I was running my full MSD ignition system, then an alternator is the way to go - the MSD is so picky on getting a decent supply of electrickery. The slightest drop in battery performance seems to hammer the complete system.
A pure cal looker with an 009/010 distributor or a Mag would look odd with an alternator though.

Hmmm Neil... something I need to think about.

[Rick Meredith]

I'm going to make my vote for the flux capacitor

I'm really believe in the old school look, which I'm using on my '56, so I went with the Generator as you can see 

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<sarcasm>Yep traditional cal-look right there</sarcasm>