Realistically, how many Amps does our alternator need to produce?

Running electric fan, electric fuel pump, a couple of electric gauges, and eventually a stereo with a 150w amp or thereabouts, just for a little volume.

Other than that, it is just an old maverick.

How many Amps do I really need?

 

It depends on how many amps your car requires to operate its electrical system and have enough to keep the battery up. Time to do some figuring Scott.

 

Don't forget lights, ignition and heater if you ever use it. Figure out howmuch the maximum draw is for any electrical item on the car and then give yourseld a few extra. Better safe than sorry.

 

So it isn't completely ridiculous to put in a 135A alternator...

 

Alternator output is one place where you cant go wrong with more than you need...

 

x's 2!

Especially when its almost dirt cheap too! i got my new taurus 3G for $10

 

I don't think so particularly when you need a good strong ignition system to lite off a nitros fedd mill.

 

85 will probably be all you need. A continental has all that plus, electric seats, windows, fuel injection, and only has a 100 amp alternator. Your 150watt amplifier probably only has a 10 or 15 amp fuse.
Fans 30+ amp 10 + ignition 5 + fuel pump 5 + original amp 35 = 80

 

I say about 100amp at high idle, 60 amps at low idle minimun.... or the 3g conversion like I did on the 63 fairlane (150 amps max output) very easy install....

 

Where is everyone getting these cheap 3G alternators? May pop hotrodding magazine just did a 3G swap, they said they found theirs remanned on ebay for $40. All I see are just south of $200...

 

I just ordered a new small case 130 amp, 3G unit from this source http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/catalog.php?item=17.
I expect to get the unit this week. Cost was $150.00 shipped. I most likely I cud have gotten one for less but wanted a small case and a new unit w/ V-belt - so I gave it up. I have 300 watt amp, elec fan, AC along w/ reg stuff that's on the car. I wanted to be sure I have enough for night driving w/ all accessories in in B to B traffic. Someone mention earlier a Lincoln has 105 amp I believe, w/ lots more accessories -- They are probably right but I only paid $20.00 more for 130 over the 105. I also think in this case a little to much is better that to little. JMO

BTW my 300w Rockford sub amp carriers a 60amp fuse...

 

The 3G for the F600 was about $69.00 as I remember. Sorry didn't get the part# today. I'll get it for sure tomorrow.

 

I got lucky and got mine at the junkyard...it was a new remand one. Fresh paint and everything. I even found the receipt in the glove box and it was only two weeks since it was purchased.

I normally wouldn't buy an alternator at a junkyard but this one was too good to pass up.

 

Earl, did you buy that new? OReilly or something?

I will hop over and get one if so.

 

Dont forget an alternator will only put out enough juice to maintain voltage. You can have a 200 amp alternator but if the car only needs 10 amps to maintain voltage then the alt. only puts out 10 amps. So yes a 135A is perfectly fine.