Alternator and power issues.
 

Let me preface this by saying that I view wiring and electricity as one of the "dark arts" and know enough to start a nice fire!, but here goes.

Trying to get my 78SC going after a cis to efi conversion using a 3.2 intake manifold.

During process I carefully labelled removed alternator and had refurbished, diodes renewed etc.

My engine bay wiring at almost 34 years old has become brittle, so I cut some of the alternator wires (namely the tach wire and the two smaller "hot wires" back to the point where the insulation was flexible and soldered new wire (heat shrinking the connection - I put new end connectors (again soldered).

OK cutting to the chase - final asembly, wires all connected, attach battery, +ve arcs as I connect and white smoke comes from alternator,!!!!

Disconnect and remove, battery again connected (no arcing without alt) I have 12v @ both the alt output wire and the tach wire, is this correct??

Secondly, with fully charged battery (alt removed & all wires taped) should the fuel pump work?

Thanks in advance

Do you have the wiring schematic for SC?

sounds like the belt or belts is slipping. by you saying you lost your steering and your battery light flickered it has a serpentine belt that runs everything. the belt tensioner could be weak and not holding the belt tight enough.