Alternator upgrade ??s

tooslow said

I have a BB 512 with MSD ,elec fuel pump, Fans , ect... Running the stock 65 amp with external regulator
Is there a simple Alt upgrade to 125 amps and LOW RPM CHARGING (my issue)
I see POWERBASTARDS has a 140 amp for 350 dollars . Can a stock external regulator handle 140 amps ?
Is a One Wire a good option ?

Click to expand...

Well, just changing to a higher output alternator is not the end of the job. Are you using the stock ammeter? The a.meter shunt needs to be capable of the current you will.put through it. Take the original 60 amp off and install a 100 amp and if you draw the 100 amps, the shunt could get hot and cause a failure or fire.
I worked on an ambulance once and installed a 100A alternator to power extra equipement they had installed. Melted the ammeter. The wiring to and from the ammeter where charging current will flow also needs to be up to the job.
In normal operation the alternator should only output the sum of all the draw of the end devices. Temporary items such as power windows or locks are surge power and not generally a problem. Lights, AC or a high power sound system create that long time draw that builds heat. That was the problem for the ambulance, a new baby incubator and 3 hour transfer times from the small town.
Sometimes best to connect the two ammeter wires, remove the ammeter and install a volt meter.