Is an Alternator Upgrade Necessary
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
It should be a no brainer. I moved up to a Power master Chrome 105 amp single wire and upgraded the gauge of my other wires.
Power masters come with an additional larger pulley for us higher rpm performance motors. When I bought it they did not have the race 140 amp version. But I have tall valve covers and the 140 amp model was just to big to clear my valve covers and would require some other idea for mounting
I bought mine from http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...rder=Ascending
Power masters come with an additional larger pulley for us higher rpm performance motors. When I bought it they did not have the race 140 amp version. But I have tall valve covers and the 140 amp model was just to big to clear my valve covers and would require some other idea for mounting
I bought mine from http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...rder=Ascending
Last edited by gkull; Oct 16, 2013 at 07:38 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
It should be a no brainer. I moved up to a Power master Chrome 105 amp single wire and upgraded the gauge of my other wires.
Power masters come with an additional larger pulley for us higher rpm performance motors. When I bought it they did not have the race 140 amp version. But I have tall valve covers and the 140 amp model was just to big to clear my valve covers and would require some other idea for mounting
I bought mine from http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...rder=Ascending
Power masters come with an additional larger pulley for us higher rpm performance motors. When I bought it they did not have the race 140 amp version. But I have tall valve covers and the 140 amp model was just to big to clear my valve covers and would require some other idea for mounting
I bought mine from http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...rder=Ascending
That's the exact unit I have in my 77. It does a great job powering the fans and keeping my BB cool. I ran a nice thick black battery cable to it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
First off, with a ~40 amp fuse, or a fuse link, you put a heavy wire from the fan relay to the Alt. output stud directly, and NOT off any other wiring on the car....that leaves the rest of the car stock, and you don't have to worry over it.....and certainly NOT off the battery cable/starter/battery......
if you still stuck with an ampmeter in your car, change over to a voltmeter.....out of a mid 80's pickup as a bolt in...for an early shark....
that 37 amp is a fuse rating, and so at start, running, they draw like 20 amps....maybe 40 for both of them....setting still but if you doing any speed at all that drops to nearly nothing....at say 40 mph, my computer turns the fans off....a/c running or not....
I have a 17SI alt, similar to stock, but larger diameter, rated 108 amps, I never see my Voltmeter below 13.4 or so, fans running or not....car been converted to serp drive off a '88+ vette, long ago....
the motor home has a CS144, but that's another horse....
if you still stuck with an ampmeter in your car, change over to a voltmeter.....out of a mid 80's pickup as a bolt in...for an early shark....
that 37 amp is a fuse rating, and so at start, running, they draw like 20 amps....maybe 40 for both of them....setting still but if you doing any speed at all that drops to nearly nothing....at say 40 mph, my computer turns the fans off....a/c running or not....
I have a 17SI alt, similar to stock, but larger diameter, rated 108 amps, I never see my Voltmeter below 13.4 or so, fans running or not....car been converted to serp drive off a '88+ vette, long ago....
the motor home has a CS144, but that's another horse....
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Shalimar Florida
I just recently purchased a 07 c6 from a man that really didn't appreciate the car, got a great deal but at the same time needs some work, long story short I'm going to upgrade the alternator from stock to the vette 6 phase billet alternator sold on the forum store.. A clean and more uniformed look for the engine and a little more rpm .... Any other suggestion and is the upgrade necessary ?
Thank you
Thank you
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,943
Likes: 850
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i just put a 100 amp on mine ran a wire 6 gauge from the alternator to the battery side of the starter, and got one of the new interstate AGM batteries , man that mini starter cranks now. it is probably overkill due to the fact i don't have electric fans except the factory auxiliary unit or amps for the stereo. but i don't have to use the battery tender anymore, which for some stupid reason it seems i drive the car more. funny how that device kept me from driving the car.
and you canadian guys , my brother in law is from summerland B.C , its a beautiful place. but he likes tampa better lol
and you canadian guys , my brother in law is from summerland B.C , its a beautiful place. but he likes tampa better lol
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,943
Likes: 850
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i think it is, I'm sure the electrical guys on here can explain why better than me. but, that new battery is truly awesome and i think better than the optima i had in another car.
but, that new battery is truly awesome and i think better than the optima i had in another car.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
I run the stock '76 L-48 alternator on my stroker w/o air, using a larger 4 core rad and a single Permacool 16" electric fan with no problems over the last 5-6 years. No non stock electric devices.