alexandervdr

I need a new alternator for my 64 327 coupe with vintage air. What amp rating should I go for? Is 55 amps enough?

65tripleblack

I think original air cars with TI came with 60 amp alternators. In any event, when John Pirkle rebuilt mine I asked him to upgrade the amperage (while not changing the stamped-in original rating of 37). He told me that it is now 60 amps.
55 amps was used on non TI with C60 engines, and should be enough.

alexandervdr

sorry for my ignorance, but what is TI? Transistor ignition?
I will install a breakerless SE, does that work with the airco at 55 amps?

65tripleblack

TI = Transistorized ignition
C60 = air conditioning

Smart move. Breakerless SE is the best thing you can do if you are not upgrading your coil.

If you have a choice between 55 and 60 amps, I'd go with 60. 55 amps should do fine however.

alexandervdr

I will install some radio improvement gear (modest though), and satnav integration. So I may need some extra amps on top of the 55. Any suggestion where to buy a plug&play 'perfect fit' 60-70 amps or more?

65tripleblack

The highest amperage you can get in a 10dn alternator that was used until 1969, is 61 amps.

You can get 70 amps with one of these:
http://www.jegs.com/p/Powermaster/Po...34946/10002/-1

If you need more than that you will have to modify your charging system and use an internally regulated alternator.

alexandervdr

Thanks, that is exactly what I need!

Frankie the Fink

I had my stock '63 55 amp alternator upgraded internally to 70 amps max output when I added Vintage Air A/C. It works fine. NOBODY was running 135 amp alternators with A/C in '64

65tripleblack

Why would you need more amperage to supply a Vintage Air system instead of the OEM Frigidaire system? I think that you may have been duped.

alexandervdr

Ordered it in the meantime, payed almost as much for shipping to europe as for the unit

LSUvetteguy

I have an original 55amp on my 65 with Vintage air and it's marginal at best. I'm thinking about taking it back to the rebuilder for a few more amps. I'd say 65 amps would be the minimum for acceptable service.

Frankie the Fink

Do you really need A/C over there anyway ?
Seriously - does it get that warm ?
The few visits I've made the weather was wonderfully moderate...

alexandervdr

Well, it does, sometimes, usually those days you really want to go driving in a classic car (forecast for tomorrow is 86°F!, time for my Cobra with 'natural' A/C)