What alternator do I need?

Cannoball888

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Gainesville, FL

Jun 6, 2006

#1

• Jun 6, 2006

• #1

When my new electric fan kicks on it causes my lights to dim. What power alternator do I need? Are they any upgrades on chrome? I have a 302 in a '65.

 

jerry S

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Sep 3, 2003

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52.22N 5.12E

Jun 6, 2006

#2

• Jun 6, 2006

• #2

Cannoball888 said:

When my new electric fan kicks on it causes my lights to dim. What power alternator do I need? Are they any upgrades on chrome? I have a 302 in a '65.

Click to expand...

how many amps does your fan draw? Do you have any other electrical goodies like an electric water/fuel/vacuum pump, or a kicking stereo?

 

Cannoball888

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#3

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I'm don't know the amp draw and it's not written anywhere. However, I know it has a 30 amp breaker on it and the airflow is 2700 cfm. I don't have any other electrical goodies, and I don't have a stereo as of yet, but it is in the future. I don't plan on a power amp greater than 800W total.

 

rbohm

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tucson,az

Jun 6, 2006

#4

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my opinion the best alternator for you to run is the ford 3g alt from a number of cars, the 94-95 mustang, late model taurus's, etc. it has a peak of 130maps output, and has been known to put out on the order of 90amp at idle. powermaster also has high amp alternators, that have a one wire installation, that again put out 75-90 amps at idle and anywhere from 100-300amps peak output depending on which alternator you choose. i wouldnt go more than about 140amps unless you plan on running a moble welder with your car.

 

Cannoball888

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#5

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Sounds good. Would I have to replace the voltage regulator if I upgrade to the 130 amp alt?

 

jerry S

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Sep 3, 2003

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#6

• Jun 6, 2006

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Cannoball888 said:

I'm don't know the amp draw and it's not written anywhere. However, I know it has a 30 amp breaker on it and the airflow is 2700 cfm. I don't have any other electrical goodies, and I don't have a stereo as of yet, but it is in the future. I don't plan on a power amp greater than 800W total.

Click to expand...

Since it is a new fan, I assume you will be able to ascertain the model. Go to the MFG's web site, find the fan you have, and then read up on the specs. Every web site for an electric fan MFG I have seen (Be Cool, Spal, flex a lite, Mr. Gasket, etc) posts the amp draw for each of their products. Once you know what you have, report back here.

 

Cannoball888

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Jun 6, 2006

#7

• Jun 6, 2006

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I called HotRod Air and they said it draws amps in the low 20's at startup and then cruises at 18A.

 

SoCalCruising

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SoCal

Jun 6, 2006

#8

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I'm using the 65/66 Hot Rod Air fan with a 95A 3G alt from PA-Performance. It uses a regulator that they supply. Good tech support, too.

 

rsev216

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Nov 17, 2003

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Jun 6, 2006

#9

• Jun 6, 2006

• #9

Cannoball888 said:

Sounds good. Would I have to replace the voltage regulator if I upgrade to the 130 amp alt?

Click to expand...

The various 3Gs have different mounting configurations. The one for the 94-95 Mustang GT lines right up to the classic Mustang mounting points. The 3G has a built in regulator. You get rid of the old external regulator and just connect one wire from the new alternator to the alternator output stud. Another wire goes to ground and the last wire goes to the voltmeter.

Here is a link to the installation instructions: http://bcbroncos.com/3ginstall.pdf

Typically you have to shim the alternator to get perfect pulley alignment. If the pulleys are not aligned you will get belt squeal.

 

Cannoball888

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#10

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• #10

Great tips and info. Thanks!

 

S

Sicarius428

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Jan 6, 2004

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Jun 6, 2006

#11

• Jun 6, 2006

• #11

The 3G is an awesome alt. Go to www.paperformance.com and they can set you up correctly. Be sure to do the 4ga wire upgrade w/150a fuse. You can put together one yourself(i did) or buy theirs.
Kevin