SKU: 40118825629

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

$148.45 $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]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 40118825629

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4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 275 reviews
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Product Reviews
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Verified Purchase
Gwen Jones
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Quality product
Color: Navy, Size: 6-Quart
I absolutely LOVE my Dutch oven! The reduced cooking time for certain cuts of meat for stews, pot roast, etc., is a definite game changer!! The meat comes out so juicy and tender. I made curry and did the "burning" of the curry and was hesitant because I didn't want the pot to be stained. There were no stains left at all. I've used it numerous times since purchasing and it still looks new. It's very durable and the color is beautiful. If you're looking for a functional, quality, and durable Dutch oven without breaking the bank, this is it! I highly recommend.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
Serhii
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Exactly what I wanted
Color: Blue, Size: 6-Quart
Amazing! Looks beautiful, high quality, good price. Well packaged, no defects. Heavy of course :) Blue color is amazing!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
B
Verified Purchase
Booksalottle
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 4
Nothing Exceptional but Gets the Job Done
Color: Blue, Size: 4.3-Quart, Color: Blue, Size: 4.3-Quart
I’ve owned this 4.5 Qt. Amazon Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven for almost two months and have used it three times to date. Upon arrival and at first glance, the gradient blue color is beautiful and super glossy; most importantly, the pot is heavy for its size - as it should be. It looks exactly like the product pictures, with a globular shape than square shape as others. Unfortunately, I also noticed that there was one pin hole and two tiny uneven protrusions on the enamel inside the pot. I own three other enameled cast iron cookware from two other brands (photos attached for size comparison) and performance wise, this cast iron by Amazon performs equally to them. The pot isn’t exceptional or special but it gets the job done. Other than the pin holes and protrusions, I have no complaints. This isn’t my first rodeo so when heating up the pot and while cooking, I have zero issues. I am starting the pan off at 4-Stars and will update my review as time progresses, or if I have any major issues with its durability or performance in subsequent months. For the amateur home cook, or for anyone who is new to cast iron cooking, below I’ve included tips that you may find useful while using this or any other enameled cast iron cookware. ================================ Regarding the 3 Photos and 1 video I've Attached: (Note: all photos were taken with an iPhone under kitchen lights during the evening. Photos have not been edited nor enhanced.) Photo 1: Size comparison of this Amazon Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven compared to three other enameled cast iron cookware that I own from two other brands. From left to right: 7 qt. Tramontina, 4.5 qt. Amazon, 3 qt. Lodge 4 qt. Tramontina. Photos 2 and 3: fresh produce shown next to 4.5qt Amazon Dutch Oven for color and size contrast. Video: 4.5 qt. Amazon Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven on gas stove over medium heat, with food cooking. ================================ TIPS THAT YOU MAY FIND USEFUL While Using your cast iron dutch oven: (Note: I included these similar tips in my review of a different enameled cast iron pot from a different brand. My tips can apply to all enameled cast iron cookware) 1. If you find that you have issues with food sticking, it could be that you are not heating up your cast iron pot properly to prevent undue hot spots. I heat my pot up gradually starting at low, then medium, then high heat. After my pot is very hot is when I add my fat/cooking oil. As the oil is heating up in the pot, I lift it and swirl the oil around to coat all sides of the pot that will come in contact with food. 2. Take into consideration the temperature of the items you are adding to your heated pot. As a general rule for cooking: when ever possible, ensure that the items you are adding to a hot pot are at room temperature, rather than ice cold from the fridge; this will assist with even cooking. 3. Also, get comfortable with adjusting your heat by lowering and raising it based on what you’ve added to the pot. In general, you will need more heat at the beginning of the cooking process, and less heat towards the end. If you cook by recipe, I highly recommend that you read all the steps ahead before starting, so that you become familiarized with all the procedures, allowing you to maneuver accordingly when you start cooking. 4. At the exception of searing meat to achieve a brown crust, deep frying, or when caramelizing onions, you should be stirring your pot (I recommend using a wooden spoon) every few minutes when cooking in cast iron that is placed over high heat. If you are braising on the stove at low heat versus braising in the oven, the frequency of your stirring will need to be adjusted. No matter how you’re cooking though, a watchful eye on the pot plus stirring, should both be a habit not an afterthought. 5. For all cooking vessels in general but especially for cast iron: after cooking, allow your pot to cool down completely before cleaning. NEVER immerse a hot cast iron pot into cold water, nor pour cold dish water into hot pot. You risk not only being scald by dangerous steam, but you also risk weakening the enamel, therefore lessening the durability of your pots over time. 6. This cookware and others like it from Tramontina and Lodge are economical and if used correctly, will perform well for most cooking; if used correctly, they should also last for years. Nonetheless, if you can afford it, authentic enameled cast iron cookware made in France by Le Creuset is the best way to go. Le Creuset is the gold standard in cast iron cookware and their quality is second to none. I definitely recommend this Amazon dutch oven but if you can afford to splurge, Le Creuset's reputation is stellar. As a professional chef, I've used them in high end kitchens and their quality and performance is premier.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2018
N
Verified Purchase
Nicholas Wilson
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice BIG enameled cast iron dutch oven. like LeCreuset but costs less
Color: Blue, Size: 6-Quart
This is nice quality, similar to the far more costly French LeCreuset brand. I was surprised how big this model is, possibly too big for my small kitchen and limited storage space. I store it in the oven. It would be great for baking sourdough boule bread.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
JoiceMaynard
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Enamel finish
Color: Matte Navy, Size: 6-Quart
This is an amazing pot, got the 6 Qt for beautiful roast dinners and for baking bread. All comes out evenly baked. Cast Iron is best and it has a nice finish for easy clean up.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026

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