alternator suggestions?

[triostang]

My car will be running electrical water pump, 28 amp twin fans, big soundsystem. Since i'll be replacing my alternator i was wondering if you guys know which altenator to get. i was thinking power master, but which one? if i get one with too many amps is that bad?

thanks

 

[66P51GT]

More amps is a good thing. Look at the Powermaster 100 or higher. Interesting thing is they dyno the alternators before shipping. My Powermaster 140 actually output 152amps.

 

[69 302/351c]

Get a one wire Powermaster. Summit has them with a Ford case.

 

[triostang]

so it would be ok to get a 200 amp alternator, or is that too much?

 

[66P51GT]

Best thing to do to determine amp requirements is to add up the max draw on the system with all accessories going and add overhead to be safe. You basically don't want to draw more amps than your alternator can dish out. Also note that engine RPM will affect total amount of amps the alternator is able to generate.

If you already know your fan is 28 amps, start there and refer to this chart for the rest:

Amp Draw of Some Common Accessories <table width="271" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="191">
</td><td valign="top" width="80">
</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="191">Accessory
Air Conditioner
Audio Power Amplifiers
Back-up Lamps
Cigarette Lighter
CD/Tuner/with Amp
CD/Player/Tuner/without Amp
Clock
Dome Light
Electric Cooling Fans
Head Lamp Dimmer
Head Lamp (Low Beam)
Head Lamp (High Beam)
Heater Defroster
Horn
Ignition
Ignition (Racing)
Instrument Panel
Lamps, Gauges
Lamps, License Plate
Lamps, Parking
Lamps, Side Marker
Lamps, Tail
Nitrous Oxide Solenoid
Power Windows Defroster
Power Seats
Power Windows
Power Antenna
Pumps, Electric Fuel
Starter Solenoid
Voltage Regulators (1 Wire)</td><td valign="top" width="80">Amp Draw:
21-20
10-70
3-4
10-12
7-14
2.5-5
0.3
1-2
6-15
2
8-10
13-15
6-15
10-20
1.5-4
8-36
0.7-1.5
1.5-3.5
1.5-2
1.5-2
1.3-3
5-7
5-8
1-30
25-50
20-30
6-10
3-8
10-12
0.3-0.5</td></tr></tbody> </table>
Chart from Summit Racing

 

[triostang]

thanks i really appreciate it, since i have a/c, radio, lamps, etc it adds up to more than 140

i guess i can go with the 200 amp then?

 

[skywalker]

thanks i really appreciate it, since i have a/c, radio, lamps, etc it adds up to more than 140

i guess i can go with the 200 amp then?

It shouldn't hurt, but I'd think about replacing your wiring harness. All that current is going to make those old wires get reeeeaaaallly hot and you're at risk for a short and potentially a fire with that happening. Go look at a Painless Harness and you might want to set up a relay board. Don't ask me how to do the latter though as I've never done that (but I need to!) Talk to Ronstang about it.

*Edit*
In fact...hey ronstang, (I know you've got to be reading this thread) why don't you do a write up about setting up a hidden relay board? When I get around to it (August - Septemberish?) I could take some pics to add to it.

 

[MustangMatt1966]

hey guys, i just got the powermast 140......its sitting next to me right now, i need help installing it though, i want to do the 3 wire hook up, not the one wire...plus the pulley that is on it doesnt look like it will work with the stock belt, so that means i have to change it and put the ont that came with the thing on right...sorry for the dumb questions.......

Matt

 

[66P51GT]

hey guys, i just got the powermast 140......its sitting next to me right now, i need help installing it though, i want to do the 3 wire hook up, not the one wire...plus the pulley that is on it doesnt look like it will work with the stock belt, so that means i have to change it and put the ont that came with the thing on right...sorry for the dumb questions.......

Matt

I installed the 140 on my '66 289. The v-belt pulley worked fine. You may, however, have to change the length of your alternator belt. It also comes with one for a serpentine system installed. You will need an impact wrench to remove it. If you don't have one, you should be able to take it to Autozone and they will replace the pulley for you.

 

[MustangMatt1966]

hey 66p51gt, can u also give me more details on the instal, what i need to do and what "tips" u can give me, i will doing the install tomorrow moning, so any info will be much appreciated....thangs man......
Matt

 

[MustangPaul]

Ok, here is a dumb question. Can someone explain the one wire vs. three wire thing to me? If I want to go with a higher amp alternator--and I do--what will I need to do to run a one wire one?

--Paul

 

[skywalker]

Ok, here is a dumb question. Can someone explain the one wire vs. three wire thing to me? If I want to go with a higher amp alternator--and I do--what will I need to do to run a one wire one?

--Paul

1 wire is simply referring to the fact that there is no external voltage regulator. While this makes it a PITA to replace the voltage regulator (should you ever need to do so) but less likely to need too. Also a cleaner engine bay and it should also make it less likely to introduce noise into your stereo system.