Do I have to switch to a higher amperage alternator when switching my distributor from a points type to an HEI

Question

Its for a stock 1972 Pontiac Lemans with a stock 350 pontiac motor (rebuilt), 4 barrel stock carb, "stock style" HEI unit (car did originally have a points type distributor from the factory), and right now the stock 63 amp alternator. Car does not have air conditioning or rear window defogger (each or both of these options would require a higher amp alternator to begin with like an 80 or a 100 amp).

Answer 1

you will be fine with the alternator that you have, just be sure to hook up a seperate hot wire to the HEI distriburator as the old hot wire that goes to the old distriburator only puts out 6 volts once started and you need 12 volts constant to run the HEI properly.

Answer 2

Should be OK with a 63 amp alt as long as you don't have a/c or defog or power windows/seats.