So tax return season is quickly approaching and now is the time for me to buy some important larger components to for my Firebird. Luckily for me the body is in relatively good shape (floor pan repairs needed, but that's all) and I would like to address the wiring harness while the car is apart.
There is a harness in the car, but years exposed to animals and moisture have me not wanting to re-use the original harness. Having all my hard work go up in flames is a big concern of mine so I am opting to go with a complete harness.
I see what looks to be a complete harness listed on Firebird Central that looks pretty good and is a decent price. Has anybody worked with it before? Pros/Cons?
Complete Classic Update Wiring Harness Kit for your 69 model. Firebird Central offers a complete wiring harness set to bring your 1969 Firebird into the 21st century and beyond. Imagine being able to install a single harness kit that contains all of the correct connections for every piece of your original equipment; AC, headlights, engine, column, all the way to the rear bumper, as well as having the option to add any of the top name accessories being offered. All this in a single kit! Including the correct connectors, factory fit plugs and terminals that are needed to make this a plug-n-play harness. You can rest assured that you are getting the most comprehensive and adaptive harness system on the planet bar none. If your electrical system requirements exceed the capabilities of your original wiring system, this is the perfect combination of modern high power output and installation ease. Premium quality American Autowire.
Note: Does not include an ignition switch because it is a keyed column. All harnesses require a one wire SI type alternator, will not support stock alternator. All harnesses will require the use of the stock AC wiring harness when stock AC is used.
Part Number: WIR-2501"
I'm not doing a factory OE restoration, I want to modernize the car to make it a comfortable drivable and easily repairable car (I plan on doing road trips and such) with modern comforts like a decent stereo, upgraded lighting and charging system.
What style alternator does everybody seem to like best? I plan on running a 400-455 when the car is done, but will probably run a SBC in the mean time until I build a 455 for it. (Before I get murdered by all members here, it's a motor I can have for free with proper headers. Plus that allows me to run the car a few years sooner than if I waited for a nice Poncho Motor build)
Just a few things you might know already but here goes, 1 wires are fine but there are things to know going in. When buying it will need to fit the small block Chevy and brackets you have, and then have to split and re clock when you change over to the Poncho engine. If you have a warning light in the dash it won't work and you will need to get a separate volt gauge. If I remember correctly they don't charge at Idle if that matters to you.
Just a few things you might know already but here goes, 1 wires are fine but there are things to know going in. When buying it will need to fit the small block Chevy and brackets you have, and then have to split and re clock when you change over to the Poncho engine. If you have a warning light in the dash it won't work and you will need to get a separate volt gauge. If I remember correctly they don't charge at Idle if that matters to you.
I do know that I'll be running 2 separate bracket systems on the motors, and your note on re-clocking the Alt is greatly appreciated. Charging at idle is a little concerning at least in the beginning phases of shaking the car down, I can imagine I'll be doing a lot of short trips and idling.
Is there an alternator that charges at idle and puts out reasonable amperage for some modern touches? I know I'm not demanding a ton with what I have planned but maybe adding A/C in the later phases of the build would be a consideration.
Don't trust my memory on the charging thing I had a couple of strokes and can't quite remember if they don't charge at all at idle or if they just need to be revved to around 1200 rpms to excite/activate them and then they will. Your car if originally a 350 2 bbl had a externally regulated alternator but with a 400 ram air in the same year they were using the solid state internally regulated alternator that they started using in all cars in 71 and all the way into more modern times. it uses a 3 wire setup, a battery wire that goes to a stud lug on the outside back of the alt. housing and 2 wires in a shared flat plug on the side. 1 for the warning lamp system in the dash and 1 to excite the alt when the key is turned. you can get these alternators in just about any amperage you want.
