I've now really got a bee in my bonnet about getting a bigger alternator and found a mate who'll bring one back from the states for me.
My next problem is that I'm finding it hard to figure out whether the alternators I'd like to upgrade to would fit (and the customer service people I'm talking to over there seem pretty clueless)
I've deducted from the online mercury parts finder that I probably had a Mando AC155603 which is 65amp and 3-wires (although I can't remember three wires at the back of the old alternator).
I'm looking at this one but can't figure out whether it could be compatible...there can't be that many different shape mounting holes on small-block GM V8's can there?
eBay Motors: NEW 105 Amp Delco Marine Alternator Mercruiser 1-Wire (item 160248648150 end time Jun-14-08 06:13:51 PDT)
For that price I'm prepared to take a chance so if anyone can take a guess or knows a good place to look online let me know.
cheers,