C1 headlight Wiring Re-configuration

[Dan B.]

Re: C! headlight Wiring Re-configuration

"The only thing that makes the headlights brighter is revving up the engine."

That's the nature of the beast!!!

Generators have what's termed a 'cut through' curve (search the archives). Basically, their output is a function of RPM. At/near curb idle, they supply little/no charging current and you're stuck with the battery to run things.

Delco 'tweaked' the generator to achieve different cut through profiles for specific vehicles that spent an inordinate amount of time either at idle or at low speeds (e.g. police cars and taxi cabs). But, Corvette was NOT such a vehicle and was equipped with a rather standard generator...

You don't see appreciable charging output until you get the RPMs up to +1500. Expect the B+ supply rail to rise from whatever the battery's native loaded voltage level is (probably 10-12 volts) to a normal battery charging level (13.8-14.4 volts) as the engine speed increases from idle.

That's just the way these classic cars actually worked, mon!

EXACTLY!!!

Joe are you saying your headlights are dim above 1500 RPM?? They shouldent be. Dan