Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: 68FuryIIIColo]
#1093792
10/13/11 05:59 PM
10/13/11 05:59 PM
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Posts: 28,063 Irving, TX
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You have to get the part numbers and look them up to get the output. It is not listed on the alternator.
Look for the pre-Magnum engines for a V-belt high output alternator. They're easy to spot. Look for the half-size alternator body. You will have to trim the output stud a wee bit and tweak your brackets for the belt to line up.
I've been running one for years on the hot rod. It handles the monster Mercedes cooling fan, EFI system, 1000 watt Kenwood amp, power inverter for the laptop, and all kinds of other stuff.
I ran a 4 gauge wire from the output stud to the starter relay. Since the fan flashes to 59 amps on startup I wired it directly to the alternator.
We are brothers and sisters doing time on the planet for better or worse. I'll take the better, if you don't mind. - Stu Harmon
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: feets]
#1093795
10/14/11 11:26 AM
10/14/11 11:26 AM
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Joined: Apr 2008
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68FuryIIIColo
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Quote:
You have to get the part numbers and look them up to get the output. It is not listed on the alternator.
Look for the pre-Magnum engines for a V-belt high output alternator. They're easy to spot. Look for the half-size alternator body. You will have to trim the output stud a wee bit and tweak your brackets for the belt to line up.
I've been running one for years on the hot rod. It handles the monster Mercedes cooling fan, EFI system, 1000 watt Kenwood amp, power inverter for the laptop, and all kinds of other stuff.
I ran a 4 gauge wire from the output stud to the starter relay. Since the fan flashes to 59 amps on startup I wired it directly to the alternator.
Nice information. I guess if I get a 90-92 alternator it should have the 2v pulley on the vans and trucks. If it is later or a Dakota it will have the serp pulley. The 87-89 trucks and vans have a 3 year only high output alternator right? The ones I am looking for is this one correct?
Now for the regulator...I see them listed for the pre 1992 but is there one for the ones after 1992? I thought the alternators all have external regulators up to like 1999.
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: 68FuryIIIColo]
#1093798
10/15/11 01:55 AM
10/15/11 01:55 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,399 Aurora, Colorado
451Mopar
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Big block or small block? I put a 130 Amp alternator on my big block, but had to re-locate it because it was too deep to fit in the stock location. I think the 90-amp denso alternators are smaller, and I also think the alternator has more room depth wise on a small block than on a big block. My alternator was off a newer truck with the serpintne belt, but the pulley is keyed and held on with a nut and washer, not press fit like the old original style alternators so it is easy to replace. I went to an alternator repair shop and get a v-belt pulley for less than $20 so it's not that big a deal. One issue may be the spacing between the belts on a multi "v" belt pulley, if you are using two belts? The electrical part is pretty easy. I would switch to an electronic voltage regulator, but the stock mechanical one should work if you ground one field wire (the other connected to the mechanical regulator.) With the electronic regulator the +12 volt switched power that went to the mechanical regulator would now connect to the new electronic regulator AND one of the alternator field connections. The other field connection would run back to the regulator. The Alternator output terminal, connect the stock output wiring and add another 10-AWG wire that connects back to the battery positive (or Starter safety relay BATT connection) through a fuseable link. Thats really all you need. For high draw loads like the radiator fan, you should add another connection/wire to the alternator output stud to get power directly from the alternator.
Not sure where your at in Colorado, but if your around the Denver area I could give you a hand if you need help.
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: feets]
#1093800
10/15/11 09:18 AM
10/15/11 09:18 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
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ahy
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Quote:
I ran a 4 gauge wire from the output stud to the starter relay. Since the fan flashes to 59 amps on startup I wired it directly to the alternator.
Key point on the heavier charge wire. A 90 or 120 amp alternator along with heavier electrical loads will toast the factory setup quickly. A heavy charge wire from the alternator directly to the fender relay stud or battery is important. A fusible link in the charge wire near the fender relay will provide protection against shorts. 6 guage charge wire and 10 guage fusible link would work in your application. NAPA usually stocks the heavy primary wire. Autoparts stores don't usually carry 10 guage fusible link. An auto-electrical shop would have it.
With this setup, your ammeter is bypassed won't register. You need to add a voltmeter to monitor the system.
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: ahy]
#1093801
10/15/11 10:51 AM
10/15/11 10:51 AM
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I don't like fusible links. Since my alternator is a 130 amp unit, I installed a 125 amp fuse like this: If my hot rod ever tops out a 130 amp alternator I've got a problem.
We are brothers and sisters doing time on the planet for better or worse. I'll take the better, if you don't mind. - Stu Harmon
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: RapidRobert]
#1093803
10/15/11 05:02 PM
10/15/11 05:02 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,399 Aurora, Colorado
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On my car I am just running two 10-AWG wires. One wire to the original alternator wire, and the other directly the the starter relay. This basically puts them in parallel, but the direct wire will have slightly less resistance so it will see most of the load. In theory the amp gauge should work, but take twice the current for the same indicator position. Even though I have a 136 amp alternator, I got it mostly for the improved low speed output and better bearing design. It's rare if it has to output more than 40-amps. The parallel wiring also reduces the current through bulkhead connector. Both lines must be fused, and if one fuse goes the other will be taken out too. I like the fuse with the holder. Not sure how long it takes to blow the fuse? The fuseable link allows excess current for a short time before it burns out. Either way, all it is really protecting is the wiring to/from the alternator.
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: 68FuryIIIColo]
#1093808
10/16/11 08:59 PM
10/16/11 08:59 PM
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Posts: 3,001 Coram, NY
Pool Fixer
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OK, great information here. Thanks everyone. I went to the U-Pull yard in Denver and looked and looked. I found mostly 90 amp alternators but could not find a 120 amp. I finally found a 136 amp and pulled that one. Now the voltage regulator was another story. It seems like those are in high demand. The harness for those came up with a dead end. I have the normal style regulator in my 65 D200 but it is one of the solid state electronic ones. It just has the same form factor and case as the old mechanical regulator. Will that work with the high amp alternator or do I still have to use one of the 70+ voltage regulators?
any dual field from 69 and up works with this one. Napa has the reg and the special connector for it. Here is a thread with pics I did on another site from 10 years ago
130 amp denso alternator conversion
The 130amp denso from a dodge does fit a big block without having to move it. I had to use a nut and grind a spacer with my dremel but that was it.
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: Dave440]
#1093810
10/17/11 02:08 PM
10/17/11 02:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
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The regulator doesn't care what kind of amperage the alternator makes. It's not even in that loop. The only thing it's concerned with is a 12 volt DC current.
You can use either style of old Mopar regulator with new alternators.
We are brothers and sisters doing time on the planet for better or worse. I'll take the better, if you don't mind. - Stu Harmon
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: Pool Fixer]
#1093811
10/17/11 02:11 PM
10/17/11 02:11 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 68 Colorado
68FuryIIIColo
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Quote:
any dual field from 69 and up works with this one. Napa has the reg and the special connector for it. Here is a thread with pics I did on another site from 10 years ago
130 amp denso alternator conversion
The 130amp denso from a dodge does fit a big block without having to move it. I had to use a nut and grind a spacer with my dremel but that was it.
The bracket for my old Poly motor is a solid bracket, real heavy cast stuff. I'll end up using the angle grinder and thinning out the mount a bit to make it physically fit. I am now left with the question about the regulator...A couple months back I bought one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330597499396&viewitem=&vxp=mtr It's a solid state electronic regulator but not sure if it will work with the higher amp alternator. Right now my square back alternator has one field grounded to the case. Does the new alternator get wired up the same way if may current voltage regulator will work?
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: feets]
#1093812
10/17/11 02:33 PM
10/17/11 02:33 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 68 Colorado
68FuryIIIColo
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The regulator doesn't care what kind of amperage the alternator makes. It's not even in that loop. The only thing it's concerned with is a 12 volt DC current.
You can use either style of old Mopar regulator with new alternators.
Thanks! I must have posted at the same time you did. I just hate buying new parts just to make them obsolete.
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: 451Mopar]
#1093813
10/17/11 02:46 PM
10/17/11 02:46 PM
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Big block or small block? I put a 130 Amp alternator on my big block, but had to re-locate it because it was too deep to fit in the stock location. I think the 90-amp denso alternators are smaller, and I also think the alternator has more room depth wise on a small block than on a big block. My alternator was off a newer truck with the serpintne belt, but the pulley is keyed and held on with a nut and washer, not press fit like the old original style alternators so it is easy to replace. I went to an alternator repair shop and get a v-belt pulley for less than $20 so it's not that big a deal. One issue may be the spacing between the belts on a multi "v" belt pulley, if you are using two belts? The electrical part is pretty easy. I would switch to an electronic voltage regulator, but the stock mechanical one should work if you ground one field wire (the other connected to the mechanical regulator.) With the electronic regulator the +12 volt switched power that went to the mechanical regulator would now connect to the new electronic regulator AND one of the alternator field connections. The other field connection would run back to the regulator. The Alternator output terminal, connect the stock output wiring and add another 10-AWG wire that connects back to the battery positive (or Starter safety relay BATT connection) through a fuseable link. Thats really all you need. For high draw loads like the radiator fan, you should add another connection/wire to the alternator output stud to get power directly from the alternator.
Not sure where your at in Colorado, but if your around the Denver area I could give you a hand if you need help.
Sounds like I am getting all the answers now. Thanks! I think I have all I need now. Someone at some point upgraded to a square back alternator at some point. I have found the pulley I need too (early 90's van & truck), they are just a B*&%$h to get off in the u-pull yard. Since you mentioned I'll check out the spacing on the actual new pulley and see if it's spaced the same as the original one. I'm down in Parker, not too far from you in Aurora. I may take you up on your offer! I'll keep you posted.
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: 451Mopar]
#1093815
10/17/11 07:51 PM
10/17/11 07:51 PM
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I was just at the Kaiser Medical building in Parker. Got a sinus infection - yuck. Anyhow, post a photo if the back of the alternator. It should have the two wire plug in connector? Either regulator will work, they just wire up a bit different. Here's a photo of how I mounted my alternator.
Nice looking setup! My alternator has 2 post with nuts holding on the big black connector then one thicker post for the battery/relay feed. I'll post a pic when I get home...on the downside of this Monday at work.
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: Andrewh]
#1093818
10/19/11 03:58 PM
10/19/11 03:58 PM
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so take the field wire from your vr and wire it to one of the field wires.
take another wire and wire it to the other field wire and ground it somewhere. some people ground to the case.
and big wire to charge the battery as normal.
Well cool. That is just how my squareback is set up now. Thanks,
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: Andrewh]
#1093819
10/19/11 10:18 PM
10/19/11 10:18 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,399 Aurora, Colorado
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so take the field wire from your vr and wire it to one of the field wires.
take another wire and wire it to the other field wire and ground it somewhere. some people ground to the case.
and big wire to charge the battery as normal.
That should work
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: 68FuryIIIColo]
#1093821
11/22/11 04:03 PM
11/22/11 04:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,444 So Cal
autoxcuda
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Those Denso alternators are great. 146 amp is overkill IMHO. But I guess you are planning adding a lot of electrical draw. I went with and internal regulated Denso off a Suzuki Samuari. Advertised at 45-50 amps. Super easy wiring. I was able to modify a stock alternator bracket and just make the right spacers. Mine is awesome at idle at night with all my electrical on. Not even a flicker.
Last edited by autoxcuda; 11/22/11 04:07 PM.
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Re: Upgrade to High Amp alternator on my 65...Advice?
[Re: 451Mopar]
#1093826
11/23/11 01:37 AM
11/23/11 01:37 AM
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Looks nice! Hows that Poly 318 run?
I love my Poly! Allot of guys are critical about keeping the old Poly instead of a LA or Magnum motor in it's place. It starts and runs great, keeps up with traffic on the highway and just runs. I put an a518 overdrive behind it and sits at 2100 RPM at 70 mph. Next is a Holley Pro Jection TB with a Megasquirt. The Poly motors have to be uncorked so I put a 4bbl on it for now and have the headers ready to go in it.
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