{"product_id":"empi-55-amp-alternator-conversion-kit-black-12v-vw-type-1-engines-00-9486-0","title":"EMPI 55-Amp Alternator Conversion Kit — Black, Complete with Bracket | VW Type 1 12V (00-9486-0)","description":"\u003cp\u003eComplete EMPI 12V 55-amp alternator conversion kit — black finish, internal voltage regulator, all-new components. Everything you need to replace a tired factory VW generator with a modern alternator on Type 1 air-cooled engines. EMPI part #00-9486-0. The standard upgrade for any 12V Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, or Bus running modern accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy a complete conversion kit (not just the alternator)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoing from generator to alternator on an air-cooled VW isn't just a part swap. The alternator mounts differently than the generator and requires a conversion bracket to bolt up correctly. The complete kit gives you the alternator plus the bracket and any other adapter hardware needed for direct installation — no chasing down parts mid-install.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe internal voltage regulator eliminates the external regulator box on the firewall, simplifying wiring and removing a common failure point. EMPI builds these with all-new components rather than rebuilt cores, which matters significantly — rebuilt alternators are a frequent source of premature failure in the air-cooled VW world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVoltage:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 volts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 amps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegulator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Internal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKit contents:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alternator + conversion bracket + mounting hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e All-new components, not rebuilt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 00-9486-0 (EMPI), also stocked under Washburn's #E41\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Type 1 air-cooled engines (Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, Thing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Type 2 Bus through 1971 (Type 1 engine)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCars converted from 6V to 12V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill NOT fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stock 6V applications without converting the entire electrical system. Will not fit Type 4 engines (different mounting geometry — 1972+ Bus, 411, 412, Porsche 914 use a different conversion).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between this kit and #00-9486-7?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n#00-9486-7 is the alternator only. This kit (#00-9486-0) includes the conversion bracket and hardware you need to bolt it to your engine. If your existing engine already has the alternator-style bracket installed, you can save by buying the alternator only. If you're converting from generator for the first time, get the complete kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long does the install take?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFor someone comfortable with basic auto electrical: 1–2 hours. Remove the generator and its wiring, install the bracket, mount the alternator, connect the wiring, run the fan belt. Test the charging system before driving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to remove the old voltage regulator?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. The external regulator on the firewall is no longer needed — the alternator regulates internally. Disconnect and remove or bypass it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill my factory ammeter still work?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWith 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 — your choice based on your specific gauges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size fan belt do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe fan belt size depends on the specific 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 belt fit after installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this charge a discharged battery faster than my generator?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes, significantly. Generators produce very little charge at idle and only modest charge at cruise. Alternators produce useful current at idle and full output at moderate RPMs.\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:\/\/shop.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"}