EMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator | VW Type 1 Air-Cooled | Black, Internal Regulator, All-New (00-9486-7)
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EMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator — Black, Internal Regulator, All-New | VW Type 1 (00-9486-7)
A 12V, 55-amp alternator with internal voltage regulator and black finish for VW Type 1 air-cooled engines — a direct replacement for tired factory generators and a substantial charging upgrade for any 12V Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, or Bus running modern accessories. Built with all-new components, not rebuilt.
The factory VW generator was adequate for original demands — headlights, ignition, a radio — but modern loads like halogen/LED lighting, electric fans, performance ignition, electric fuel pumps, and audio quickly exceed it. A 55-amp alternator delivers nearly double a stock 30-amp generator's output and produces useful charge at idle, while the internal regulator eliminates the external firewall box and simplifies wiring.
Vehicle Fitment
- VW Beetle: All years, 12V Type 1 (or 6V-to-12V conversions)
- VW Karmann Ghia: All years, Type 1 engine
- VW Type 3: All years, Type 1 engine
- VW Bus: Through 1971 (Type 1 engine)
Will NOT fit: Stock 6V applications without converting the entire electrical system to 12V, or Type 4 engines (different mounting and pulley geometry).
Why Choose EMPI?
EMPI builds these with all-new components — no rebuilt cores, no salvaged parts. Rebuilt alternators are a common source of premature failure, so new construction is worth the difference.
Key Features & Benefits
- 55-amp output: Nearly double a stock 30-amp generator, with useful charge at idle.
- Internal voltage regulator: No external firewall regulator required; simpler wiring.
- All-new construction: No rebuilt cores or salvaged parts.
- Black finish: Clean, low-key look in the engine bay.
Technical Specifications
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Output: 55 amps
- Regulator: Internal (no external regulator required)
- Finish: Black
- Construction: All-new components, not rebuilt
- Part Number: 00-9486-7 (EMPI)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will this bolt straight in where my generator is now? The alternator uses different mounting than a generator, so most installations require a conversion bracket (sometimes included in conversion kits, sometimes sold separately — see EMPI #00-9486-0 for the complete kit). The pulley and fan belt stay in approximately the same plane.
- Do I need to change my wiring? Yes, somewhat. The external voltage-regulator wiring is removed entirely, and the alternator's output wires connect to the existing 12V charging system — typically a 30–60 minute job for someone comfortable with basic auto electrical.
- Can I run electric fans, audio, and other heavy loads now? Yes. 55 amps gives comfortable headroom for typical modern accessory loads. For very heavy audio or multiple high-draw accessories, consider the 75- or 95-amp options.
- Is the black finish painted or anodized? Powder-coated black for durability — it holds up to engine-bay heat and doesn't chip the way painted alternators do.
- Will I lose my "factory look"? The alternator is visibly different from a generator. For numbers-correct restorations, keep the generator; for driver-quality and resto-mod builds, the alternator is a substantial upgrade most owners prefer.
- Does it come with a pulley? Most EMPI alternators include a pulley sized to the VW fan belt. Confirm at order if you need a specific pulley diameter.