Alternator and pulley question
I had a buddy send me this email as I think my alternator pulley is also to big which is why I am not charging at lower idle speeds. Good info, but still need to know how fast the stock alternator spins.
I will try to explain the formula. it is an inverse proportion. i have not measured pulleys, as i keep with stock set-ups. say for example u have a 4" crankshaft pulley, and the alternator pulley is 2". u write it like this:
4" x 4 times 750
------ = ------- this equals x = -------------- x = is the rpm of the
2" 750 divided by 2 2" pulley
750 is the factory specified curb idle speed
4 times 750 = 3000, 3000 divided by 2 = 1500 rpms the 2' pulley is turning.
with a 2 1/2" pulley:
4 times 750 = 3000, 3000 divided by 2.5 = 1200 rpms the 2 1/2" pulley is turning.
with a 3" pulley:
4 times 750 = 3000, 3000 divided by 3 = 1000 rpms the 3" pulley is turning.
u will have to measure ur pulleys obviously. run off ur crankshaft pulley that is what is turning the carb set idle speed. then u can gauge how fast the fan, and the alternator r turning. as u can see the larger the pulley, the slower the alternator turns. sure the fancy billet pulleys look nice at the show, but in practicality if u r using this car as a daily driver the pulleys should be changed. if it is just a show car, well, then an investment in a battery maintainer will be necessary.
Good luck