Typically, GM vehicles prior to 1982 have starter solenoids with three posts:
Post # 1: Battery – This is the large post on the solenoid which is usually found on the center top of the solenoid. This is the post where the positive battery cable attaches along with any battery feed wires that the car might require. These wires are usually heavy gauge red, or black wires and may contain a fusible link.
Post # 2: The “R” Post – this post is one of two small posts on the solenoid. This post becomes hot only while the starter is cranking. On an original points car, this post feeds a wire that sends full voltage to the coil during cranking. This wire is know as the resistance bypass wire, as it bypasses the resistance circuit that will typically feed the coil when the car is running. This is done to boost the coil output during engine start. It is noteworthy that on some of our HEI conversion engine harnesses this wire is retained due to the design of the factory ignition switch and circuitry. While factory HEI vehicles do not have this bypass wire, on some of our HEI conversion harnesses, this wire is still required and may be found on your harness. This wire is typically yellow, but can be green, pink, or black with a pink or yellow stripe. On typical GM starters this post is generally the small post closest to the engine block. Occasionally you will see this post marked with a “C” instead of an “R.”
Post # 3: The “S” (solenoid) Post – this the other small post on the starter solenoid, and is typically the post farthest from the block. This post will accept the purple wire on the engine harness. The purple wire carries current from the ignition switch, often via the neutral safety switch, down to the starter to activate the starter.
Occasionally you will see a smaller gauge black wire leading down to the starter as well. This will actually hook directly to small ground screw on the starter body itself.
Tags: engine, factory, fit, GM, harness, post, resistance, resistor, solenoid, starter
Are you tired of re-setting your radio station settings and your digital clock when you turn your master disconnect to the “OFF” position, for that early dinner time stop. Try our “LIFE LINE” Memory Retention Module. Just a few minutes for installation and you will have a constant 12 volt memory power for your radio, clock and ECM computer for those short stops when you turn your master disconnect “OFF”. Our “LIFE LINE” retails for $24.00.
See Instructions Here
Tags: battery, clock, disconnect, ecm, life, lifeline, line, master, memory, preset, radio, switch
No. All American Autowire Classic Update kits are designed for modern 12 volt, electronic ignition systems, not points. Original Mustang tachometers based their rpm readout on frequency of ignition point closures and therefore are incompatible.
Tags: classic, factory, ignition, mustang, tach, tachometer, update
Authorized returns with a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number affixed to the outside of the package will be processed within 48 hours of receipt at our facility. All returns are inspected by our QA department. Any applicable credits/refunds are issued within 48 hours, although your financial institution may take an additional 1-3 days to process the credit/refund. You will be notified immediately if we have any questions about your return, assuming there is an RMA number on the box. Any returns that arrive to us without an RMA number will take longer to process and could potentially be returned to the customer. If you have any questions about a return, please call 800-482-9473 x233.
Tags: credit, refund, return, returns, rma
The wiring schematic included with your kit is not meant to be used for installation instruction. In fact, if you were to attempt to wire the entire vehicle using only your schematic it would be somewhat difficult. We have attached the schematic to give an overall understanding of how each circuit is connected.
It is best to start wiring based on the kit section (denoted by letter….each letter will correspond with a section of your kit) suggested in the “Start Here” page of your instructions. This will walk you through each part of your installation with much more detail than you will find in a schematic. Doing this will not only make the job of rewiring feel much more approachable, but can help prevent installation based issues.
Tags: circuit, classic, highway, install, installation, installing, instructions, schematic, update
A fusible link is similar to a fuse, it is a type of circuit protector. It is a length of wire typically 6 inches long and usually two gauge sizes smaller than the wire it is protecting. If excessive current runs through the circuit, the wire overheats and melts, breaking the circuit. When a circuit has been broken, no electricity can flow. The fusible link has a softer nonflammable insulation that bubbles to indicate when it has blown.
Tags: circuit, circuit protector, excessive current, fuse, fusible link
Do not replace a blown fuse with one that has a higher amperage rating. The fuse has a specific amperage rating because it is intended to be the weak link in the circuit to protect the electrical components. A blown fuse indicates excessive current has entered the circuit. This can be caused by a number of things: a shorted electrical component, a faulty or accidental connection between two different circuits, just to name a few. It is recommended to bring your vehicle to someone who specializes in auto electrical problems.
Tags: amperage, blown fuse, electrical component, excessive current, fuse, rating, shorted
No, the orange wire in any of our Classic Update Kits is a fused 12v ignition feed that should be used as the “keyed” trigger wire that connects to your cooling fan relay.
Tags: classic, cooling, engine, fan, ignition, kit, orange, update, wire
It is not recommended that original switches be used in any of our kits. In many instances, the method of connection is completely different, as the switches that we include are updated-style units. The amperage ratings on our switches are usually higher than stock so that they will carry the extra load capabilities of the updated harnesses. In addition, our ignition switches are mutually bussed between crank and run (whereas most originals are not) so that updated items such as HEI, MSD, fuel injection, and single wire “high torque” starters can be used.
Tags: classic, headlight, ignition, kit, switch, update
Delco Remy (System Integrated) SI alternator were used on GM vehicles between 1969-1988. They were primarily used on vehicles between 1975-1985. Two of the most commonly used models were the 10SI and 12SI alternators.
Two key identification points of the SI alternator is the external fan with V belt pulley and the 2 charge indicator light terminals (male blades) that appear on the backside of the alternator.
The pictures below show the front and rear of a SI alternator and a picture of the connector that plugs into the alternator.
 SI alternator front/rear |
 SI alternator connector - 06294493 |
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Tags: alternator, belt, charge, CS130, CS130D, CS144, fan, indicator, intergrated, Internal, light, regulator, serpentine, SI, system, V belt
