Powermaster has created a new line of alternators called PowerGENs. These alternators look almost exactly like an old generator but house a powerful 75 Amp alternator. We took a look at one of the first ones to come through our door and run it through its rounds.

Look and Feel
The PowerGEN alternator certainly looked exactly like the original generator it is designed to replace. It even had the manufacturers tag in the original location. Except in this instance is says “PowerGEN” instead of “Delco”. All in all it looks like a high quality piece of machinery.

Performance
At 75Amps this alternator provides ample power to run a standard car, even with an upgraded radio. The alternator comes with a “proof of performance tag” showing you exactly what kind of performance the alternator put out when tested. One of the problems when converting to an alternator is the idle RPM. Most one-wire alternators do not even start charging until the alternator reaches around 3000 RPM (alternator RPM is usually 3X engine RPM). The PowerGEN produces between 32-50 amps at idle speeds.

Installation
When compared with the original generator we were thoroughly impressed with how close the alternator matched. A few points were noted in the instructions that came with the alternator
1.    A good ground is necessary on all PowerGENs especially the black powder coated units. When we installed the alternator we just used the original ground wire that went from the generator to one of the voltage regulator mounting bolts.
2.    This alternator ends up being more of a pull on the engine than the original Generator so you can’t have as much slop in the belt. A ½” deflection in the belt is the maximum recommended.
There are 10 different types of PowerGEN alternators available making it almost a guarantee that one will fit your application.

Price
At $395-$420 the PowerGEN doesn’t seem like the cheapest charging solution but let’s consider some of the other options:
1.    6 Volt Alternator ~ $300 You can buy 6 Volt alternators for around $200 but then you have to buy a mounting bracket. The PowerGEN puts out more amperage than any other 6 Volt alternators and has the added bonus of looking original and bolting into the original position.
2.    12 Volt Alternator – you can get these for cheaper than the 6 Volt alternators but then you have to worry about mounting again.
3.    Generator conversion service ~$400-$700 – There are a few companies out there that will take your original generator and convert it to a 12 or 6 Volt alternator. These services are expensive and require your original generator.
So if you are on a budget and your car is 12 Volts then it might make sense to use a standard GM alternator instead of the PowerGEN. If a mechanic is installing the alternator you could actually save some money in labor using the PowerGEN since it is a direct bolt in replacement. For 6 Volt applications and areas where a vintage look is desired the PowerGEN is an excellent choice.

Caveats
One of the things that keep this alternator from being a true bolt in replacement is the lack of an indicator lamp circuit. Some cars used the armature wire on the generator to light an indicator light or in the case of Buick and Packard it was used to trigger the starting relay. The indicator lamp circuit in the newer alternators can be used to replace this functionality. We are currently talking with Powermaster representatives and we hope that this will be an option available in future revisions of the product.

Conclusion

Powermaster has definitely produced a winner with the PowerGEN line of alternators. It’s rare that you get a product that appeals to both the restoration and hot rod markets. The performance speaks for itself as well: 75 amps in place of a generator that maybe put out 30 amps at peak.