EL CAMINO 396 BB Alternator Plug? (SOLVED)

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CaminoJoe

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 28, 2018
11
16
3
Hey all, currently in the midst of prepping my 396 big block to drop in my '85 elco, and I noticed something - the plug doesn't match up. I'm hoping any of you could refer me to a site in which I can find an adapter for this plug? Also, not entirely sure the alternator is regulated internally (new alt). The 396 came out a 69 camaro

Old Alt from 85 elco 305:
20180318_202121.jpg
20180318_201918.jpg
New Alt from 396 BB

20180318_202054.jpg
OG plug to OG alternator.

If anyone can refer me to somewhere I can find an adapter, that would be amazing! (the old alternator will work just fine, but its just plain UGLY on the new engine, just look at how pretty the new one is!)

20180318_202240.jpg

Yes that is a 69 GTO in the back
 

pagrunt

Geezer
Sep 14, 2014
9,128
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Elderton, Pa
I'd just yank the 305's alternator & use it. That one on the 396 uses an external regulator & is a royal PIA back date the harness to go from an internal regulated to an external regulated alternator.Theres a reason why GM got away from them in the early '70's. Sell it to a guy who's restoring a '69 & wants to keep the external regulator.
 
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TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
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Do this..............and keep your fingers crossed

GM_external_reg_alternator_wiring.jpg





Or just get this 50 buxx and done at Autozone.


3
 

CaminoJoe

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 28, 2018
11
16
3
Do this..............and keep your fingers crossed

GM_external_reg_alternator_wiring.jpg





Or just get this 50 buxx and done at Autozone.


3
Thank you! this is my first swap and I've never dealt with any of this before so it's nice to know theres other ways around it
 

CaminoJoe

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 28, 2018
11
16
3
I'd just yank the 305's alternator & use it. That one on the 396 uses an external regulator & is a royal PIA back date the harness to go from an internal regulated to an external regulated alternator.Theres a reason why GM got away from them in the early '70's. Sell it to a guy who's restoring a '69 & wants to keep the external regulator.
Thanks mate I realise now an adapter is impossible haha I feel dumb but I gotta learn somehow
 

pagrunt

Geezer
Sep 14, 2014
9,128
15,257
113
Elderton, Pa
Thanks mate I realise now an adapter is impossible haha I feel dumb but I gotta learn somehow
Don't feel dumb about, those are not as common today as 25-30 years ago. Atleast you did ask for help and there are many here willing to help. Just keep asking & you'll learn what you need to get your project done right.
 
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CaminoJoe

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 28, 2018
11
16
3
Don't feel dumb about, those are not as common today as 25-30 years ago. Atleast you did ask for help and there are many here willing to help. Just keep asking & you'll learn what you need to get your project done right.
Appreciate the support. I'm rolling with the 305s internally regulated alternator, but I'm cleaning it up and using the pully from the 396 alt. Should look great once im done. And itll be less of a headache than converting the wiring to external
 
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