LS swap alternator issues
 

Hi, I did an LS swap in my 72 last year and have had alternator issues. Alternator charges fine until I turn on the A/C and it sucks the voltage down unless I rev it up, head lights or electric fans don't bother it but the A/C really seems to pull the voltage down. If I rev it up a bit and keep it around 900 plus rpm it seems to be fine. Any ideas? Thanks

Possibly I need a bigger alternator? I think mine may be the 105amp, I am running a stereo set up with a couple small amps, and dual electric fans.

Re: LS swap alternator issues
 

Are you on factory AC or one of the aftermarket AC setups? In the tune there are settings that will use the input trigger from the +12v to the AC and bump the RPM to accommodate the load/draw on the engine.

If its purely an issue of draw, I'd check your grounds and wire gauges (i.e. no 24awg on big 12v supplies).
Also might be worth seeing the the donor setup was running GmBmh charging.

Re: LS swap alternator issues
 

Factory A/C, PSI harness has the wire to hook up to my A/C to bump idle and it is hooked up.

Re: LS swap alternator issues
 

I was running a 4.8 last year now have a 5.3 in it, wire sizes are not small but I will check that stuff over again.

Re: LS swap alternator issues
 

Did the same stuff happen on the 4.8?

Re: LS swap alternator issues
 

Yes, same issue with the 4.8 last year. Today I installed another frame to chassis ground. I have a ground from the battery to the block, and it splits to the frame (ground cable from the donor van with the 4.8 so it is adequate). Original frame to chassis ground too. The alternator is from the 2005 van which had A/C but mechanical fan and pretty basic cargo van so I am wondering if it is to small of amp alternator. Thanks again for any help.

I never had any issue until mid summer last year when I got the A/C working and at that time I also installed the dual electric fans.