SKU: 40118825629

EMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator — Black, Internal Regulator, All-New | VW Type 1 (00-9486-7)

Sale price$148.45 Regular price$164.94
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Description

EMPI 55-Amp 12V Alternator — Black, Internal Regulator, All-New | VW Type 1 (00-9486-7)EMPI 12V 55 amp alternator with internal voltage regulator black finish for VW Type 1 air cooled engines. Direct replacement for tired factory generators and a substantial charging upgrade for any 12V Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, or Bus running modern accessories. EMPI part #00 9486 7. Built with all new components no rebuilt parts. Why upgrade from generator to alternator The factory VW generator (used on most 12V air cooled VWs from 1967 through

EMPI 12V 55-amp alternator with internal voltage regulator — black finish — for VW Type 1 air-cooled engines. Direct replacement for tired factory generators and a substantial charging upgrade for any 12V Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, or Bus running modern accessories. EMPI part #00-9486-7. Built with all-new components — no rebuilt parts.

Why upgrade from generator to alternator

The factory VW generator (used on most 12V air-cooled VWs from 1967 through the mid-1970s) was adequate for the original electrical demands — headlights, ignition, a radio. Modern owners running halogen or LED lighting upgrades, electric fans, performance ignition systems, electric fuel pumps, car audio, or any accessory load quickly exceed what a generator can provide. Symptoms: dim lights at idle, slow cranking after short trips, battery rundown overnight.

A 55-amp alternator delivers nearly double the charging output of a stock 30-amp generator and produces useful charge at idle (which generators barely do). The internal voltage regulator eliminates the external regulator box on the firewall and simplifies wiring. Black finish keeps it visually clean in the engine bay.

EMPI builds these with all-new components — no rebuilt cores, no salvaged parts. That matters: rebuilt alternators are a common source of premature failure.

Specifications

  • Voltage: 12 volts
  • Output: 55 amps
  • Regulator: Internal (no external regulator required)
  • Finish: Black
  • Construction: All-new components, not rebuilt
  • Part number: 00-9486-7 (EMPI)

Fitment

  • VW Type 1 air-cooled engines (Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, Thing)
  • VW Type 2 Bus through 1971 (Type 1 engine)
  • Cars converting from 6V to 12V (the alternator is the modern standard for converted cars)

Will NOT fit: Stock 6V applications without converting the entire electrical system to 12V. Will not fit Type 4 engines (different mounting and pulley geometry).

FAQ

Will this bolt straight in where my generator is now?
The alternator uses different mounting than a generator. Most installations require a conversion bracket (sometimes included in alternator conversion kits, sometimes sold separately — see EMPI #00-9486-0 for the complete conversion kit version). The pulley and fan belt remain in approximately the same plane.

Do I need to change my wiring?
Yes, somewhat. The external voltage regulator wiring is removed entirely. The alternator's three or four output wires connect to the existing 12V charging system. Most installations are a 30-60 minute wiring job for someone comfortable with basic auto electrical.

Can I run electric fans, audio, and other heavy loads now?
Yes. 55 amps gives you comfortable headroom for typical modern accessory loads. For very heavy audio installations or multiple high-draw accessories, consider the 75 or 95 amp options.

Is the black finish painted or anodized?
Powder-coated black for durability. Holds up to engine bay heat and doesn't chip the way painted alternators do.

Will I lose my "factory look"?
The alternator is visibly different from a generator. For numbers-correct restorations, keep the generator. For driver-quality and resto-mod work, the alternator is a substantial upgrade that most owners prefer.

Does it come with a pulley?
Verify with the listing — most EMPI alternators include a pulley sized to match the VW fan belt. Confirm at order if you need a specific pulley diameter.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
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SKU: 40118825629

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4.6 ★★★★★
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Cheryl Belle
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 3
Thin, summer weight throw, quality could be better
Color: Southern Blues, Size: Throw (50 in x 60 in), Color: Southern Blues, Size: Throw (50 in x 60 in)
This is a very light weight blanket and the "fleece" is no where to be seen. The blanket looks like cotton but has a very synthetic feel to it. Three layers implies some weight but it is thin. The construction is sloppy, see images, where the stitching looks slap dash to the point where it cannot be reversed. I liked the color, the blue is a little on the aqua side but it is a very nice calming hue. The stitching is quilt like and nicely done. I noticed other reviews felt like it was a medium weight but the only time I would use this would be to use as a cover if the AC went out. To me, the blanket is decorative and not particularly useful.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2026
H
Hayden
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 4
Average quality lightweight throw, not sold on the color
Color: Southern Blues, Size: Throw (50 in x 60 in), Color: Southern Blues, Size: Throw (50 in x 60 in)
This blanket is fairly soft and lightweight, and better suited for the summer months. I don't think the texture and "Southern Blues" color looks as nice in person as in the photos; less cozy and more like a spare blanket you might find in a hotel closet. Interestingly the care tag says that the outer faces are cotton, but the blanket feels polyester and the content tag indicates the same. The stitching and durability feel ok, and it will probably hold up for the occasional machine washing and low heat drying. Overall it's a fine warm season throw but not particularly notable. I would probably recommend one of the darker colors.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
C
circusdaze
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
So easy to wash!
Color: Southern Blues, Size: Full/Queen (90 in x 90 in), Color: Southern Blues, Size: Full/Queen (90 in x 90 in)
Two things I love about this coverlet: 1. It's so much easier to wash than a duvet! Or even a duvet cover or a regular blanket, for that matter. The queen-size coverlet fit easily in my washer, and I could have put in another if I had had one. It stayed loose and balanced in the machine - the washer didn't have to readjust its balance during the spin cycles. In the dryer, it didn't wad up into a ball that had to be shaken out every few minutes. It came out feeling softer and looking good, with no wrinkles. 2. It's thinner than a duvet and suitable for warm weather, yet those three stitched layers give it substance and weight that I find more comfortable than sleeping under a pile of fluff or a bed sheet. The soft pastel green color with cream lining (not really reversible due to the hem) is fresh and reminiscent of the 1950s coverlets that my grandmother made. Crocheting was one of her passions, and she'd create huge lacy doilies that lay across the foot of the coverlet. Very pretty look.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026
C
Chimi
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Great summer blanket.
Color: Black, Size: Full/Queen (90 in x 90 in)
I purchased this Berkshire 3-layer fleece blanket, and it has quickly become my go-to for my queen size bed. It fits perfectly with plenty of overhang, making it look great as a top layer or a middle layer.What I love most is the breathability. While the material is technically fleece, the 3-layer design provides a nice "cotton-like" feel that doesn't feel heavy or stifling. I tend to sleep hot, and this blanket does a fantastic job of keeping me cool and comfortable through the night while still providing just enough cozy warmth.At this price point, the value is good. It feels much higher quality than other thermal blankets I’ve tried, and it holds up well in the wash without pilling or losing its softness. If you're looking for a versatile, lightweight blanket that works year-round, this is a solid choice. Highly recommended!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
aposhsavage
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Fab , chic, furry & perfect for HTX weather
Five stars because I’m super picky about my main blanket and after two years I finally found one that will be as good as the one with 70 holes that I’ve been holding onto like a 7 year old. It’s super furry, and soft and the solid black side is smooth. Its not too heavy , its the best kind of thin which is perfect for Houston Texas. It’s just how I like my go to blanket. I have tons of blankets but there’s always one that’s my most favorited and now, this one will be for the next however many years. It’s a FAB design too. Love!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2026

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