{"product_id":"empi-55-amp-alternator-conversion-kit-black-12v-vw-type-1-engines-00-9486-0","title":"EMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator Conversion Kit | VW Type 1 Air-Cooled | Black, Complete w\/ Bracket (00-9486-0)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eEMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator Conversion Kit — Black, Complete with Bracket | VW Type 1 (00-9486-0)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cb\u003ecomplete 12V, 55-amp alternator conversion kit\u003c\/b\u003e — 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoing from generator to alternator isn't just a part swap: the alternator mounts differently and needs a \u003cb\u003econversion bracket\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\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, or Type 4 engines (different mounting geometry — 1972+ Bus, 411, 412, Porsche 914 use a different conversion).\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 rather than rebuilt cores — a meaningful difference, since rebuilt alternators are a frequent source of premature failure in the air-cooled VW world.\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\u003eComplete conversion kit:\u003c\/b\u003e Alternator, conversion bracket, and mounting hardware for direct installation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eInternal voltage regulator:\u003c\/b\u003e Eliminates the external firewall regulator box, simplifying wiring and removing a common failure point.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e55-amp output:\u003c\/b\u003e Strong, modern charging for cars running additional accessories.\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 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFinish:\u003c\/b\u003e Black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eKit Contents:\u003c\/b\u003e Alternator + conversion bracket + mounting hardware\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 00-9486-0 (EMPI); also stocked under Washburn's #E41\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\u003eWhat's the difference between this kit and #00-9486-7?\u003c\/b\u003e #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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHow long does the install take?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDo I need to remove the old voltage regulator?\u003c\/b\u003e Yes. The external regulator on the firewall is no longer needed — the alternator regulates internally. Disconnect and remove or bypass it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill my factory ammeter still work?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhat size fan belt do I need?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill this charge a discharged battery faster than my generator?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\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":44556123963507,"sku":"#E41","price":240.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/00-9486-0_alt-copy-500x333.jpg?v=1774732494","url":"https:\/\/www.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/empi-55-amp-alternator-conversion-kit-black-12v-vw-type-1-engines-00-9486-0","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}