This has been talked many times.
With a better and powerfull alt the ammeter will be safer than with the stock one. Bulkhead paths will be also more relaxed HOWEVER is better to get AT LEAST one extra path between alt and ammeter out of the bulkhead. BUT NOT BECAUSE THE ALTERNATOR EXTRA POWER, but just because the normal load the car sucks out is right on the borderline the packard terminals are able to hold up. Packard terminals are able to hold certain load peaks, but being constant maybe just 30 amps. As soon you turn on headlights, heater or AC blower and maybe wipers if is raining, you are already on the 25-30 amps rate. Even worst if you give brakes and geared, with reduced rpms and the extra brake lights load.
At this stage, your ammeter could be getting 0 reading with the brand new alternator and this is because battery won't be required for sourcing, but loads are still running between alternator and main splice into the cab
Nacho, I respect your opinions and input. But people may misinterpret your above comments thinking it's OK to put a higher amp unit on while not paying attention to your other suggestions.
Many years ago, a friends grandparents were driving from Iowa to Ca.. It was a 66 Dart 4 door 6 stick. They lost the alternator somewhere in Nevada. The garage replaced it with a much higher output unit. The next time they stopped for gas everything was dead except the horn.
They found that the car would start by jump starting it (rolling and pop the clutch). What I found was that the ammeter was roasted and jump starting would back feed from the other side of the ammeter. Everything would also function if I ran a jumper wire from the battery to the coil or starter relay etc.
I have always assumed that the 65A (?) alternator put too much current through the Ammeter and fused it. The stock Dart Alternator was only 35A as I recall. I installed a aftermarket unit under the dash and away they went.
With your above commentary I was curious as to what your though would be on the above experience.
I believe that one should always err on the side of caution and and will not install a higher output alternator without upgrading the wiring and or bypassing the ammeter. Keeping in mind as a shop owner, if the car has an electrical problem the liability is not something that I want to encounter.
Your thoughts ?