C1 generators vs alternators

[James H.]

Can someone explain to me how a generator functions vs a modern alternator. I just purchased a 62 340hp car w/ that wierd looking generator and an old style battery.
Is it still a 12 volt system?
Jim

[Adam S.]

Re: C1 generators vs alternators

Yes, both are 12 volt system, Gen. is putting out Direct current to a DC regulator & Alternator is usually putting out Alternating current to the rectifer bridge (convert ac to dc volts) then to either a internal or external regulator. Yes the altrernator is able to handle higher amp draw in a smaller package than the old larger generator, depending on what type of car you will want to have original or modified will mean you will have to do some adapting to change over to alt.(C2 vetts started using them) hope this helps.

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 generators vs alternators

Can someone explain to me how a generator functions vs a modern alternator. I just purchased a 62 340hp car w/ that wierd looking generator and an old style battery.
Is it still a 12 volt system?
Jim

Jim------


The last Corvettes that used a 6 volt system were the very few 1955's with Blue Flame 6 cylinder engines. I would really doubt that anyone would have converted a 1962 to 6 volt. You can tell at a glance, though. If the battery has 6 caps, it's a 12 volt battery.

By the way, from a functional perspective, alternators are FAR superior to generators in many different ways. However, I would not recommend trying to convert a Corvette with a generator to an alternator unless you were planning to be driving the car a lot and didn't care about originality. Generators will provide adequate performance and reliability for the kind of use you're likely to have for the car.

[Bill M.]

Re: C1 generators vs alternators

Can someone explain to me how a generator functions vs a modern alternator. Jim

A generator creates DC current mechanically (commutator) and an alternator creates DC current electronically (diodes). The diodes are more reliable than the commutator.

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 generators vs alternators

A generator does not put out at an idle like an alternator does. If you decide to modernize remember the alternator will put out more than the 30 amps your gauge shows. A volt meter is the best idea, and you will want to do some rewiring. If you would like to discuss this upgrade give me a call 330-620-2130. I just did it to a 62.

Terry

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 generators vs alternators

For the early Vettes (and most other early Chevys), as already mentioned, the type of driving that will most likely be done with these cars, the generator will be just fine. Unless a 55-62 Vette has electrical demands that draw LOTS of current, such as air cond, a generator in top condition will provide all the elec power needed. The Vette generators are (were) rated at 35amps. If you have concerns about yout generator/voltage regulator, then most any local alternator/starter shop can check it out and rebuild it if necessary.
I went through the generator in the 56 over 30yrs ago and it still performs great.

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 generators vs alternators

Can someone explain to me how a generator functions vs a modern alternator. I just purchased a 62 340hp car w/ that wierd looking generator and an old style battery.
Is it still a 12 volt system?
Jim

Jim-----


Something I forgot to mention: if you decide that you need to "upgrade" the car with a 10,000 watt, 16 speaker sound system, then you'll need to convert the car to a very high output alternator.

[James H.]

Re: C1 generators vs alternators

I get the picture.. I wasn't thinking about converting to an alternator system. But it is an interesting concept. I just didn't understand the difference.
Thanks all.