Alternators...can you have too much?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Alternators...can you have too much?
I'm an electrical dummy. Other than follow simple schematics and make common connections, I really don't know diddle about this stuff. Is there, or can there be, any concern with having a higher output alternator than your system can use?
Here's my reason for the question. Right now my 72 has a 42 amp alternator and I'll soon be installing a Dewitt radiator and Spal fans, so I know I need to upgrade to at least a 60 amp. In the future I want add more goodies, like an really nice sound system which will draw more amperage. So rather than do it twice, can I install a 100 amp alternator right away and be ok without frying something?
Here's my reason for the question. Right now my 72 has a 42 amp alternator and I'll soon be installing a Dewitt radiator and Spal fans, so I know I need to upgrade to at least a 60 amp. In the future I want add more goodies, like an really nice sound system which will draw more amperage. So rather than do it twice, can I install a 100 amp alternator right away and be ok without frying something?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
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From: Moon Township PA
Re: Alternators...can you have too much? (biltogo)
You can safely rebuild your alternator to a higher amperage, or you can buy an aftermarket one. The extra amps are only used "on demand" - if you need 20 amps to run your operating systems, you draw only 20 amps.
Gary
Gary
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Galloway NJ
Re: Alternators...can you have too much? (GaryS)
You can safely rebuild your alternator to a higher amperage, or you can buy an aftermarket one. The extra amps are only used "on demand" - if you need 20 amps to run your operating systems, you draw only 20 amps.
Gary
Gary
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,091
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From: Texas
Re: Alternators...can you have too much? (biltogo)
thanks for asking this i needed to know the same thing. i put the under drive pulleys on and the duel fans pull alot out of the system when stopped for a light the alt cant keep up.
Mike
Mike
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Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Alternators...can you have too much? (biltogo)
I got a 150 amp alternator off a truck. The shop modified it to be a one wire. It is a little larger then stock but since I moved it to the passengers side away from the power steering pump it is no problem. I have twin electric fans, twin electric fuel pumps, stereo and of coarse lighting so in idle conditions on a hot night even it can't keep up.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
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From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Alternators...can you have too much? (GaryS)
Most C-3's have Corvette specific alternators due to the fact the the crank pulley is smaller than a Chevrolet. They put out more power a low rpm. Most if not all aftermarket /generic units list corvette alternators as the same as Chevy's. They fit and work fine at 1000rpm but do not keep up at low speed or idle. Also you nee to makes sure the the frame AND engine are grounded to each other. A bad frame ground will cause the alternator to act weak at low speeds. Poor output at idle is a very common complaint with "over the counter" units installed on corvettes.
[Modified by silvervetteman, 3:19 PM 2/1/2003]
[Modified by silvervetteman, 3:19 PM 2/1/2003]
Race Director
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From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Re: Alternators...can you have too much? (silvervetteman)
I installed a 160 amp unit on the 8T1......I run dual spal 11" electric fans....and a 12" fan dedicated to the A/C system condensor when I run the A/C......The A/C fan inside the car also runs at full bore....Then I have 600 watt amp stereo system....parking lights always on......running Holley Blue Electric fuel pump....and thinking of adding a fan to the trans cooler......everything running....with the stock pulley, it's just about even output--input, however when I slammed the throttle....the torque used to snap my brand new belts......Never wanting to leave things alone.....I installed the complete March Aluminum Pulley set with the larger alternator pulley.....stopped snapping belts after that.....however at idle my engine is internally hemorrhaging....all the fans slow down....the fuel pump slows down....I rev her up, crank up the volume on the stereo, and everythings fine It appears I have to be at 1000 RPM's or higher to keep everything up.....:D :seeya Cappy
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