[frankc]

I removed the alternator from my 77 2.7 in the process of doing some other work, and now I'm wondering if it makes sense to do a little preventative maintenance and either rebuild it or replace it while it's out. The alternator is the original unit and has a little over 100K on it. From what I've read, I shouldn't expect it to last too much longer. I'm not sure how this might factor in, but I also plan to go with an Electronic Ignition setup (Clewett/Electromotive) sometime soon (higher output needed?).

Reading some of the posts here, some recommend rebuilding my existing unit, while others say simply buy a rebuilt from Pelican. The best quality choice seems to be the new Australian built units, but $640 is a bit steep.

It also appears from Pelican that the direct replacement for my 77 with the external regulator is NLA, and that I would have to "upgrade" to the Paris Rhone unit which has the built-in regulator (and the extra parts needed to make this work). Is this a good idea, or am I better off simply getting my existing unit rebuilt and sticking with the external regulator? Should I replace the regulator as well if so?

thanks,
Frank