1970 Cadillac 472 engine 55 amp or 61 Amp Alternater ?

[Bill Balkie 24172]

Hello ,
   I was in the process  of cleaning up my engine compartment and was surprised to find out that i have a 61 Amp Alternater .  According  to the Service manual  and the build sheet it is suppose to have a 55 amp Alernater .   Is there any logical reason for a 61 Amp  verses 55 Amp Alternater .   55 amp Altanater has a larger pulley about 2.8  the 61 amp has a smaller pulley .  Maybe 2.0  .In the future if i need to replace this would you suggest a 55 amp or a 61 amp . And would this have any effect on the voltage regulator at all .

Bill

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

First of all Bill, is yours still the original external regulator type r has it been converted to an internal regulator alternator?
Greg Surfas

[chrisntam]

My guess, the way he is talking is that the VR is external.

I would bet that sometime in the car's 50 year history, the alternator has been changed.  The case says 61 amps, but who knows what the output really is.  I'd rather have the higher amp alternator given all the power accessories in the car.

I wouldn't worry too much about it.

IIRC the VR is the same regardless of the alternator amperage.

I have an upgraded alternator on my '70 (maybe 100 amps?) due to the two cooling fans in front of the condenser.

[Bill Balkie 24172]

First of all Bill, is yours still the original external regulator type r has it been converted to an internal regulator alternator?
Greg Surfas

Hello Greg , i have the external regulater .

[Bill Balkie 24172]

Thank You Chris,
     When i am not sure about something it consumes me sometimes . Part of my proplem is i think to much . but its better to ask questions and read if you not sure .

   Thanks again ,
        Bill