Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - Question about cables for alternator, distributor an electric gerator

Hi,

could somebody tell me how many and which cabels I have to conect to my alternator, distributor and generator?

It is for my Impala, 1970, 350 cui.

Thanks

Tom

are you going to run an externally regulated alternator or internally regulated alternator?

what kind of distributor?

i ask this because it makes a huge difference in how things are wired

with an HEI all you really have to worry about is supplying it power to it, if its a points style you will have a resistive wire which will supply just over 9 volts to the distributor with the key on and another wire tied in with the starter solenoid so that while cranking the distributor sees a full battery voltage

if you run an internally regulated alternator you just need to run a wire from the back of the alternator and the #2 spade connector to the battery and the #1 spade connects to a dash warning light if you have one

http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/10si.htm

http://www.alternatorparts.com/understanding_alternators.htm

http://www.alternatorparts.com/what_is_a_self_exciting_alternator.htm

http://www.alternatorparts.com/what_is_a_self_exciting_alternator.htm

are you going to run an externally regulated alternator or internally regulated alternator?

what kind of distributor?

i ask this because it makes a huge difference in how things are wired

with an HEI all you really have to worry about is supplying it power to it, if its a points style you will have a resistive wire which will supply just over 9 volts to the distributor with the key on and another wire tied in with the starter solenoid so that while cranking the distributor sees a full battery voltage

if you run an internally regulated alternator you just need to run a wire from the back of the alternator and the #2 spade connector to the battery and the #1 spade connects to a dash warning light if you have one

What is the difference between a Hei and a point style? I have a HEI, is this better?

How can I find out wether I have a internally regulated alternator or something else?

James

if you pull the back case of the alternator, just the cover on the back don't split the case, you should see the internal regulator which will look like this.
http://www.autoshop101.com/trainmodules/alternator/altimage/06f.jpg

or if you have a model/serial number of the alternator try looking it up.
if it's the original, then parts store listing indicates it's externally regulated.
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductList.aspx?PartType=11&PTSet=A&SearchFor=Alternator


this is a good read:
http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AlternatorGeneratorTheory.htm

wikipedia for points ignition,
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/67498_hei_coils_modules/index.html

yes, HEI is better, it is electronic and will have a higher power coil and give better spark and is practically maintenance free.