alternator amp output -- suggest

[0X01B8]

My charging system is crap, so I've decided to upgrade to a 70s style dual field alternator and 70s electronic regulator.  This thread w/ this diagram --> http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,22649.msg469547.html#msg469547
Then after that I'll probably go forth with Nacho's famous ammeter wire thing.

What's a good alt amperage?  45, 50, 55, 60, 10,000?  My car does not have AC, but I don't wanna undershoot on the alt, in case I need the capacity one day.

thanks.

[Nacho-RT74]

if you ask me 100 is Nice, but 80 is more than enough, depending if you use A/C and what batt you're planing to use. ANY alt will drive any standart stereo 4 speakers setup. If you use some power amplifier, 80-100 amps will drive too unless you are planing to use your car like a BOOM BOOM "discocar", and if thats the case, will need a capacitor. But HONESTLY any 80 amps alt will drive a modern stereo setup. In fact Stock radios draw more power than modern units.

A/C-heater blowers is the more consumption accesories on our cars. Then the cigar lighter, hazzard flashers, but those are ocasionally.

If you think to use radiator electric fans, go to 100 amps alt, but if not, 80 is MORE THAN ENOUGH ( I think I have said that before LOL )

ANYWAY the main deal is get charge at iddle

[0X01B8]

Thanks Nacho.  I've just discovered yesterday that I've been using a race-only constant output regulator.     http://www.streetperformance.com/part/mopar-performance/voltage-regulator/685704-3690732.html

Anyway, now that I've read every thread on here 30 times I think I understand how it all this stuff works.  I just hope that v.r. that I saved from my old 70 POS Barracuda still works. 

[c00nhunterjoe]

if you are upgrading why not go with an internally regulated 1 wire? the are only 100 bucks and 100 amps or so. search summit for them, they are the stock style case but upgraded guts. tuff stuff is the brand, i will be getting one for my car in 100 amp-black
http://summitracing.com/search/Part-Type/Alternators/Make/DODGE/Engine-Size/6-3L-383/?keyword=tuff%20stuff

[mopar0166]

I think i run a 65 amp alt with a mopar performance racing regulator that gives me around 13.5 volts constantly for my HEI

[Hemidog]

I run a toyota(denso) 70 amp alt with the internal voltage regulator, It's working fine so far 

[Nacho-RT74]

those "one wire" alts are not more than simply a regular alt with a regulator attached on to it.

[c00nhunterjoe]

but they are higher amp ratings and fair priced

[0X01B8]

I looked long and hard at the Tuff Stuff alts on Summit.  Looks like a nice deal but all they had available were the chromed ones with the others on backorder.  Besides, it would look wrong being the only chrome piece in my engine compartment, and for half the price I'm just getting a plain old Napa re-manufactured model.  And it looked like there might be bracket/mounting issues to work out with a Denso, so I didn't research that one.  thanks for the ideas, though.

-john

[c00nhunterjoe]

i agree, the chrome isnt for me either, i like the black one's myself

[ChgrSteve67]

Go to your local parts store and tell them you have a 71 Challenger with a 440
They should give you a 65 amp square back dual field alt.
I got one at the local NAPA store for $80 with a life time warenty.

I run two computers, electric fans, stereo, electric fuel pump, AC and my lights and don't have an amperage shortage.

I got my electronic voltage regulator and harness from http://www.uscartool.com/
Local parts store has the voltage regulator (Tell then you have the same car above)
I don't know where to get the harness and plug.

[0X01B8]

Go to your local parts store and tell them you have a 71 Challenger with a 440
They should give you a 65 amp square back dual field alt.
I got one at the local NAPA store for $80 with a life time warenty.

I run two computers, electric fans, stereo, electric fuel pump, AC and my lights and don't have an amperage shortage.

I got my electronic voltage regulator and harness from http://www.uscartool.com/
Local parts store has the voltage regulator (Tell then you have the same car above)
I don't know where to get the harness and plug.

That's the one I got, actually.  $43 + core.  They even had the V.R. pigtail connector in stock.