Quick Question - My Alternator has 2 'Field' terminals - which one do I use?

[Corellian Corvette]

The replacement alternator I got for my 68 CHarger has 2 "FLD" terminals on the back. How can I determine which one to use for my car - I only have a wire for a single terminal.

Thanks!

[Ghoste]

The best way would be to wire in a dual field regulator but the cheap and dirty is to just ground out one of the terminals.  It doesn't matter which one.

[tan top]

The best way would be to wire in a dual field regulator but the cheap and dirty is to just ground out one of the terminals.  It doesn't matter which one.

  .... good idea to change to the later set up 

[Ghoste]

And by "doesn't matter which one", I mean which terminal if you choose the cheap and dirty not which method of dealing with it.

[375instroke]

If you convert to electronic, try to keep the stock regulator intact, and hide the electronic regulator somewhere, like under the battery, maybe, or under the dash.  I saw a black Hemi Roadrunner on Barret Jackson with that stupid orange and blue electronic ignition box and bright blue voltage regulator that comes with it screwed onto the firewall.  Beautiful car, but that black engine compartment, and that awesome elephant motor sitting there, all I could look at was that ridiculous orange and blue garbage.  By the way, why do you have a dual field alternator?  Did you just end up with one, or already have one?

[Ghoste]

I believe you can get electronic ones now that look like the stock points type one?

[A383Wing]

I believe you can get electronic ones now that look like the stock points type one?

Yes....about $25....they are available at most parts houses

[gordo1968charger]

hijack alert
i m just doing my new m and h engine wiring,it has 2 field connectors for alternator but alternator only has one feed!do i buy a new alternator with 2 fields?and what else would i need to buy?car has electric ignition already should nt it have 2 anyway?

[Ghoste]

Someone has changed the alternator at some point because yes, it should be there already.  The hard part is done so do the car a favor and buy the correct alternator.

[375instroke]

I believe you can get electronic ones now that look like the stock points type one?

Yes....about $25....they are available at most parts houses

Yes, and I have one on one of my cars, but with the way transistors work, it is best to use them as a current sink.  That is, they are used as a path to ground.  This is why the dual field alternator was introduced with the electronic regulator.  Positive voltage is on one side of the field, and the ground is regulated through the regulator.  With the retrofit electronic regulator, the positive voltage is being regulated, and I'm sure that it doesn't work as well as the original setup.  That is, you don't get maximum output from the alternator with it.