EMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator Conversion Kit | VW Type 1 Air-Cooled | Black, Complete w/ Bracket (00-9486-0)
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EMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator Conversion Kit — Black, Complete with Bracket | VW Type 1 (00-9486-0)
A complete 12V, 55-amp alternator conversion kit — black finish, internal voltage regulator, all-new components. Everything needed to replace a tired factory generator with a modern alternator on Type 1 air-cooled engines.
Going from generator to alternator isn't just a part swap: the alternator mounts differently and needs a conversion bracket to bolt up correctly. This kit supplies the alternator plus the bracket and adapter hardware for a direct installation — no chasing down parts mid-install.
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, or Type 4 engines (different mounting geometry — 1972+ Bus, 411, 412, Porsche 914 use a different conversion).
Why Choose EMPI?
EMPI builds these with all-new components rather than rebuilt cores — a meaningful difference, since rebuilt alternators are a frequent source of premature failure in the air-cooled VW world.
Key Features & Benefits
- Complete conversion kit: Alternator, conversion bracket, and mounting hardware for direct installation.
- Internal voltage regulator: Eliminates the external firewall regulator box, simplifying wiring and removing a common failure point.
- 55-amp output: Strong, modern charging for cars running additional accessories.
- All-new construction: No rebuilt cores or salvaged parts.
- Black finish: Clean look in the engine bay.
Technical Specifications
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Output: 55 amps
- Regulator: Internal
- Finish: Black
- Kit Contents: Alternator + conversion bracket + mounting hardware
- Construction: All-new components, not rebuilt
- Part Number: 00-9486-0 (EMPI); also stocked under Washburn's #E41
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between this kit and #00-9486-7? #00-9486-7 is the alternator only. This kit (#00-9486-0) includes the conversion bracket and hardware to bolt it to your engine. If your engine already has the alternator-style bracket installed, you can buy the alternator only; if you're converting from a generator for the first time, get the complete kit.
- How long does the install take? For someone comfortable with basic auto electrical, 1–2 hours: remove the generator and its wiring, install the bracket, mount the alternator, connect the wiring, and run the fan belt. Test the charging system before driving.
- Do I need to remove the old voltage regulator? Yes. The external regulator on the firewall is no longer needed — the alternator regulates internally. Disconnect and remove or bypass it.
- Will my factory ammeter still work? With proper wiring, yes. The alternator output can route through the original ammeter circuit. Some installations route the high-amperage charging line directly to the battery and use a voltmeter instead.
- What size fan belt do I need? It depends on the alternator pulley diameter and your fan pulley. Most installations use the standard VW air-cooled fan belt; some performance pulley combinations require a slightly different size. Check the fit after installation.
- Will this charge a discharged battery faster than my generator? Yes, significantly. Generators produce very little charge at idle and only modest charge at cruise, while alternators produce useful current at idle and full output at moderate RPM.