Will 100amp Alternator Damage System?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Will 100amp Alternator Damage System?
I have a chance to buy a chrome rebuilt GM 100amp alternator for the 77. It's more amp than the original, so will this damage the electrical system?
Eddie
Eddie
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA Website: ChrisMitchell.us
Re: Will 100amp Alternator Damage System? (Silvr77)
My understanding is no. Your system will only pull the amount of amps it needs at any given time leaving the rest. But I'm no electrition.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Re: Will 100amp Alternator Damage System? (Silvr77)
Installing a 100A alternator will not damage your system. Your system will draw the amount of power it needs. You will just have more power capability to drive accessories such as upgraded stereo, additional lights, etc...
You only run into trouble if you do not have enough power capability and your upgraded system tries to draw more power than the stock alternator can supply. You will then overheat the regulator and windings in the alternator and it will fail on you.
The only down side could be a slight loss of HP due to a higher drag on the engine from the alternator. This should be real minimal though like say 1-2 HP I would guestimate.
Brent...
You only run into trouble if you do not have enough power capability and your upgraded system tries to draw more power than the stock alternator can supply. You will then overheat the regulator and windings in the alternator and it will fail on you.
The only down side could be a slight loss of HP due to a higher drag on the engine from the alternator. This should be real minimal though like say 1-2 HP I would guestimate.
Brent...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 1
From: Billings MT
Re: Will 100amp Alternator Damage System? (Silvr77)
No, as the amp draw is only as needed by the system based upon resistance.
I have a 160 amp alternator with no problems.
However this extra capacity can really burn things up should you have a short...
I had my main cable from the starter to the alternator brush against the manifold, short and go up in smoke. :eek:
The alternator managed to pump enough juice through the short to melt my wiring harness. Thank god I don't have a greasy engine compartment as I'm sure my car would have been toast. The alternator lived through it, and has been working for over a year since.
:cheers:
I have a 160 amp alternator with no problems.
However this extra capacity can really burn things up should you have a short...
I had my main cable from the starter to the alternator brush against the manifold, short and go up in smoke. :eek:
The alternator managed to pump enough juice through the short to melt my wiring harness. Thank god I don't have a greasy engine compartment as I'm sure my car would have been toast. The alternator lived through it, and has been working for over a year since.
:cheers:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Re: Will 100amp Alternator Damage System? (Silvr77)
I though it would be OK...but wanted to be sure. Thanks for all the info guys.
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Eddie
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Eddie
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