Alternator Options

[elkabong]

I am going to be installing an Aux fan in my 84. I am concerned that I do not have enough juice coming out of the alternator to support the additional load. My reasoning is when driving with the AC on, and the head ligts on my voltage drops to 12.1-12.5 volts. I have seen 120 amp alternators and I am thinking of using that instead of the 97 (105?) amp that came stock. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Have a look here

 

[elkabong]

WOW!!! 250 Amp. I could light up the neighborhood with that puppy.

Thanks.

 

[oldace84]

Tuff Stuff has an altenator rated at 140 amp's...
I use this in crome on my '84, along with a March Pulley system...
Works fine so far...
tony

 

[elkabong]

I called Tuff Stuff and they only have a unit for my 84 that is 120 amp. I think that will do but my main question is it worth the extra $$$$. I am looking at $196 shipped to my door and I can find 85+ 120 ampers for about $130 from Checker. I don't mind spending the extra cash if it is really worth it - supperior components, quality etc.

Thoughts?

 

[geekinavette]

Jim, don't waste your money on Checker rebuilt crap. Last time I did that I went through three of them before giving up and going somewhere else. Spend the money and get a good one.

 

[Ken]

Direct from another thread!

I have a friend who says he never leaves town without a spare alternator. :L

I've had 'em go out in less than a year. NAPA will give you another, but what a PITA to change it every year or so. There is an, however, an alternative [size=-5](which I should look into )[/size]:

The "Iceberg" Alternator™

The "Iceberg" Alternator™ is your best defense against heat related failure of the Delco-Remy CS-130 type alternator. The "Iceberg" Alternator™ is only built or supplied by authorized re-sellers using only top quality components. To truly be an "Iceberg" Alternator™ it must also use the Patented "Iceberg"™ finned rear housing for better cooling of the alternator's internal components. Click here to check out the "Iceberg Alternator™" conversion kits.

_ken

 

[trrgod]

There are a couple of companies that offer upgraded, higher amp alternators. I bought a upgraded 120 amp from one of these companies for $60.00 plus shipping. I have seen two of these companies on ebay and they offer other higher amps also. The seller I bought mine from can be contacted at:
zwolfman@aol.com
Ask about highter amp availability.

 

[hoosier]

alternator alternative

Elkabong,

there should a company in your area that will rebuild your alternator for a resonable fee. I rebuilt mine into a Iceberg at a friends rebuild shop, now its a 120 amp,We also ran a 4 gauge wire directly from the alt. to the battery to make sure the battery gets full use of the increased amperage. I did the work myself in his shop in less than an hour ,now I have no worries about the charging or starting (new high torque mini starter) systems.


Barry

 

[Ken]

I found an article at Car Craft's site explaining some basics in electrical troubleshooting, and came across this: Choosing An Alternator. There is more to the article here: How-To: Easy Electrical Troubleshooting--It Doesn’t Have To Be A Mystery.

I discovered that article because I just ordered a PowerMaster XSVolt alternator for my Corvette.

 

[elkabong]

hoosier - thanks. I will make some calls next week. If I can find someone I am leaning towards Tuff Stuff. When I called them they seem pretty knowledgable.

 

[elkabong]

I took the plunge and decided on the 140 amp dual rectifier model.

http://www.alternatorparts.com/Double_Rectifier_cs144.htm

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

I took the plunge and decided on the 140 amp dual rectifier model.

I have been using one of their ¨Iceberg¨ alternators for about 8 months now. So far it works as good as advertised.

Please keep us posted on the installation, performance, quality, etc., etc.

 

[elkabong]

I ordered the CS144 140 Amp with dual rectifier. I should have it by 7/7 at the latest

SPANISHVETTES - Are you running the same or another model?

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

SPANISHVETTES - Are you running the same or another model?

No, I have the Up-graded CS-130. So far it works great.