Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Has anyone had any experience with the gener-ator? This is an alternator installed in the generator housing. Sounds like a good idea. Any idea of cost and installation problems? I would like to get one for my 55 clipper with an auto-lite system.

Not familiar with that particular unit but here is another company having something similar for comparison. It may even be the same one. Summit, Jegs and others carry them for around $400-500.

powermastermotorsports.com/powergen.html

summitracing.com/parts/PWM-82051

Here is a review of the powermaster Power-Gen unit.

ynzyesterdaysparts.com/blog/?p=13

The gener-ator uses the original housing, auto-lite or delco, and is available in either pos or neg ground according to the most recent copy of Hemmings. Iguess my concern is is it relatively easy to install and is it reliable?

The gener-ator takes your original housing and replaces the innards with a machined down alternator made to fit.

To me the Powergen seams like it would have a better life-span and support if something went wrong since it is not a hacked part, but an off the shelf manufactured item.

I believe the Powergen is much cheaper also, and you are not destroying your original generator in the event you want to go back.

Just my $.02

It's an interesting idea and there appears to be a bit of work involved in the conversion. The various voltages and polarity is a plus although didn't see a mention on the output amps. Kev has a good point about not going back once done.

Here is the website for gener-natorgener-nator.com. Their price page says Delcos usually run $795-845.00 exchange and Autolites are $845 exchange so that is a pretty good investment.

From what I have read here and there a few issues with the gener-ator is lack of capacity due to the use of compact alternators. The other issue I understand hurts this unit is reduced cooling leading to heat related failures. The biggest issue to me is the price tag mentioned by others here.

They do look neat, but seem to be in the development phase still.

I don't see the need, the standard generator has enough output to cover all normal needs, including A/C.

"I don't see the need, the standard generator has enough output to cover all normal needs, including A/C."

Not meaning to be disrespectful, but if this is the case why the interest in alternators?

I'm think a/c at some point (hopefully without waiting for my lottery ticket...} and am under the impression that an alternator is critical....

Not meaning to be disrespectful, but if this is the case why the interest in alternators?
For the same reason a lot of folks tear out their original engine and put in a Chevy 350 ----- everyone else is doing it!
Packard had A/C in 1940. They also had A/C in 1954 autos with six-volt generators. Not sure about 1953??
An alternator will recharge at a higher amp rate than a generator, but everything works with a generator.

Not sure if this was the case with Packard, but most other manufacturers had differing generator amp capacity depending on level of accessories. For instance no power accessories was the lowest amp rated unit with a higher one for say power windows and seat, or air conditioning, and the highest output generator for cars loaded with all power options. I think often, the standard low output generators are found to be a bit under capacity with air, especially in traffic.

I see where you are coming from patgreen. I think there are two reasons for the interest in alternators. The biggest is they are solid state requiring no skills in electrical mechanical components. The other is they are available anywhere for less than $50 bucks in most cases. I would not hesitate to use the correct output generator for the correct application. I also understand that it is much more convenient to use an alternator. As mentioned, both will just fine.