{"product_id":"empi-12v-55-amp-alternator-internal-regulator-black-finish-vw-type-1-00-9486-7","title":"EMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator | VW Type 1 Air-Cooled | Black, Internal Regulator, All-New (00-9486-7)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eEMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator — Black, Internal Regulator, All-New | VW Type 1 (00-9486-7)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cb\u003e12V, 55-amp alternator\u003c\/b\u003e 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 \u003cb\u003eall-new components\u003c\/b\u003e, not rebuilt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Beetle:\u003c\/b\u003e All years, 12V Type 1 (or 6V-to-12V conversions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Karmann Ghia:\u003c\/b\u003e All years, Type 1 engine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Type 3:\u003c\/b\u003e All years, Type 1 engine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Bus:\u003c\/b\u003e Through 1971 (Type 1 engine)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWill NOT fit:\u003c\/b\u003e Stock 6V applications without converting the entire electrical system to 12V, or Type 4 engines (different mounting and pulley geometry).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Choose EMPI?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEMPI builds these with \u003cb\u003eall-new components\u003c\/b\u003e — no rebuilt cores, no salvaged parts. Rebuilt alternators are a common source of premature failure, so new construction is worth the difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Benefits\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e55-amp output:\u003c\/b\u003e Nearly double a stock 30-amp generator, with useful charge at idle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eInternal voltage regulator:\u003c\/b\u003e No external firewall regulator required; simpler wiring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAll-new construction:\u003c\/b\u003e No rebuilt cores or salvaged parts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBlack finish:\u003c\/b\u003e Clean, low-key look in the engine bay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVoltage:\u003c\/b\u003e 12 volts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOutput:\u003c\/b\u003e 55 amps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRegulator:\u003c\/b\u003e Internal (no external regulator required)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFinish:\u003c\/b\u003e Black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/b\u003e All-new components, not rebuilt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/b\u003e 00-9486-7 (EMPI)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill this bolt straight in where my generator is now?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDo I need to change my wiring?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCan I run electric fans, audio, and other heavy loads now?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIs the black finish painted or anodized?\u003c\/b\u003e Powder-coated black for durability — it holds up to engine-bay heat and doesn't chip the way painted alternators do.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill I lose my \"factory look\"?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDoes it come with a pulley?\u003c\/b\u003e Most EMPI alternators include a pulley sized to the VW fan belt. Confirm at order if you need a specific pulley diameter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eExplore Related Categories\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/engine-parts\"\u003eEngine Parts\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vw-beetle\"\u003eVW Beetle\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/all-vw-aircooled\"\u003eAll VW Air-Cooled\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Washburn's Metal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44556126060659,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/00-9486-7-copy-Copy-500x369.jpg?v=1774732494","url":"https:\/\/www.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/empi-12v-55-amp-alternator-internal-regulator-black-finish-vw-type-1-00-9486-7","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}