[DeTomaso] Alternator Options

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/27/10 20 12 11, jskeane6 at gmail.com writes:


> I just replaced my voltage regulator, and it got me thinking about the
> alternator.  Is the stock 65-amp unit capable of dealing with the
> demands of the electric fans? 
> 
>>>Fans, yes.   Fans, headlights, A/C fan, interior fan, and stereo?   No.


> > I don't know how many amps the fans draw,
> but I suspect it could be a fair bit. 
> 
>>>And with more powerful aftermarket fans, all bets are off.


> > I went looking at the vendors'
> various web sites, but found surprisingly little in the way of
> alternators. 
> 
>>>They all carry them, but it doesn't make much sense to buy an alternator 
from them and they know it.   Your local auto parts store has alternators 
with a lifetime warranty, and that's typically the smart move.


> > My local O'Reilly auto parts store has a 70-amp unit, but
> that hardly seems like much of an improvement over 65 amps.  What are my
> options for a 100+ amp unit that is a drop-in replacement for the stock
> alternator?
> 
>>>It should be extremely simple to find a higher-output alternator with 
the same 'footprint' as the stock one.   I've been told that Ford 1-ton vans 
with the 460 typically have mondo alternators; police cars too.   They should 
be readily available from any auto parts store.   (If I'm not mistaken, the 
460 and 351C use the same alternator architecture).   So just tell Cleetus 
at the auto parts store that you've got a 1980s Ford one-ton van with a 460 
and you should be all set.   They will probably offer up alternators with 
different amperage ratings, depending on how the van was set up from the 
factory.   Some were used for industrial use and had heavy-duty electrical 
systems to support things like refrigeration units, etc.


> >  How hard is the three-wire to one-wire conversion if I
> wanted to go that route?  
> 
>>>Couldn't be simpler.   Just hook the one wire to the alternator and 
you're done.   Oh, and you have to unplug the bulb from the "GEN" idiot light.


> >Does someone make an assembly of some kind
> that plugs in to the wiring harness in place of the voltage regulator to
> make the conversion to one-wire easier?  Does that last question even
> make any sense? 
> 
>>>No. :>)

The one-wire alternators (and, in fact, modern three-wire alternators) have 
built-in, internal voltage regulators.   With the one-wire setup, as 
mentioned above, all you do is hook the one wire to it.   With three-wire 
alternators with internal regulators, you have to re-route some of the wires from 
the stock voltage regulator over to the alternator.   That's what I have in my 
car, and although it's functionally, aesthetically it's frightening to 
behold.

Some say the nice thing about separate alternator and regulator functions 
is that when your regulator takes a dump, you just buy a new regulator 
instead of having to replace the whole alternator.   Others argue that if your 
built-in regulator takes a dump on your new-style integrated alternator, you 
get a new, free alternator instead of having to buy anything.

Given that you just bought a new regulator though, I think the smart move 
would be to buy a higher-output, stock-style alternator, which would be 
plug-and-play replacement for your existing one.   You don't want to go too 
crazy--you don't need 150 or 200 amps.   A good 100-amp alternator will do the 
job just great!

Mike