Alternator Upgrade for my '76

[meanboyjr]

I'm looking to upgrade the alt in my rig from the stock 63 amp unit. I'm going to replace it in the near future, along with the battery and associated cables.

Step up to an 80 amp? Or just go for the 100?

Retain the 3 wire, or go single?

Cost to do any of the options is roughly the same (or close enough that I'm not going to worry about it).

I'm not running any winch, big lights or stereo. However, with the wipers, headlights, driving lights, blower, and radio on, the stock alt seems taxed, even at road speed.

What says the brotherhood?

 

[jonrpick]

May as well go all the way... why limit yourself? You never know when you may need the extra juice.

 

[6872xtc]

I would go with the 100 amp unit, but keep factory wiring so that you can throw any stock alternator on in a pinch. Remember that anything can fail, so why make it so that you need a special alternator to make it go again. I would check you charge wire to make sure it is in top shape, or upgrade it for the 100 amps though.

 

[454Sub]

You will have to change that charge wire if you step up. period.

 

[meanboyjr]

You will have to change that charge wire if you step up. period.

True, and it's already in the works. I'm already swapping out the old battery cables and dropping in a new battery, so I'm wondering what else should be upgraded if I make the leap to 100 amps.

 

[454Sub]

Be leery of Autozone/Advanced/ect cables, alot of the time it is smaller wires, with thicker insulation to make it look the same. I built my own, with all new ends and ect. It was more expensive, but in my eyes it was worth it.

Not sure what your interested in, or how deep you would like to go. But a good idea, and fairly cheap, would be to pick up a serpentine belt conversion out of any local junkyard. Can be picked up cheap as dirt, probably under 100$ for everything. Then you can use a factory style ALT that is commonly available at any parts house if you would need it. Plus lose the headaches of the v-belt design, which I personally think looks like crap and belts that always comes loose, and replace it with one belt and a more efficient and in my eyes a better looking functioning system. If you do decide to go this route, I would recommend a new waterpump, and a good flush of the powersteering pump.