EMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator — Black, Internal Regulator, All-New | VW Type 1 (00-9486-7)

EMPI 12V 55-amp alternator with internal voltage regulator — black finish — for VW Type 1 air-cooled engines. Direct replacement for tired factory generators and a substantial charging upgrade for any 12V Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, or Bus running modern accessories. EMPI part #00-9486-7. Built with all-new components — no rebuilt parts.

Why upgrade from generator to alternator

The factory VW generator (used on most 12V air-cooled VWs from 1967 through the mid-1970s) was adequate for the original electrical demands — headlights, ignition, a radio. Modern owners running halogen or LED lighting upgrades, electric fans, performance ignition systems, electric fuel pumps, car audio, or any accessory load quickly exceed what a generator can provide. Symptoms: dim lights at idle, slow cranking after short trips, battery rundown overnight.

A 55-amp alternator delivers nearly double the charging output of a stock 30-amp generator and produces useful charge at idle (which generators barely do). The internal voltage regulator eliminates the external regulator box on the firewall and simplifies wiring. Black finish keeps it visually clean in the engine bay.

EMPI builds these with all-new components — no rebuilt cores, no salvaged parts. That matters: rebuilt alternators are a common source of premature failure.

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)

Fitment

• VW Type 1 air-cooled engines (Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, Thing)
• VW Type 2 Bus through 1971 (Type 1 engine)
• Cars converting from 6V to 12V (the alternator is the modern standard for converted cars)

Will NOT fit: Stock 6V applications without converting the entire electrical system to 12V. Will not fit Type 4 engines (different mounting and pulley geometry).

FAQ

Will this bolt straight in where my generator is now?
The alternator uses different mounting than a generator. Most installations require a conversion bracket (sometimes included in alternator conversion kits, sometimes sold separately — see EMPI #00-9486-0 for the complete conversion kit version). The pulley and fan belt remain in approximately the same plane.

Do I need to change my wiring?
Yes, somewhat. The external voltage regulator wiring is removed entirely. The alternator's three or four output wires connect to the existing 12V charging system. Most installations are a 30-60 minute wiring job for someone comfortable with basic auto electrical.

Can I run electric fans, audio, and other heavy loads now?
Yes. 55 amps gives you comfortable headroom for typical modern accessory loads. For very heavy audio installations or multiple high-draw accessories, consider the 75 or 95 amp options.

Is the black finish painted or anodized?
Powder-coated black for durability. 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 work, the alternator is a substantial upgrade that most owners prefer.

Does it come with a pulley?
Verify with the listing — most EMPI alternators include a pulley sized to match the VW fan belt. Confirm at order if you need a specific pulley diameter.