[DeTomaso] Good three-wire alternator?

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/19/12 2:39:00 PM, kirby.schrader at gmail.com writes:

> What do you mean by 'extra weight'?
> My 200 amp alternator is the same size and weight as the 130 amp it 
> replaced.
> OK, I didn't actually weight it, but it doesn't feel any heavier so it 
> can't be that much different.
> 

The Denso is 3 lbs lighter than stock, physically smaller, has an internal 
regulator built in and puts out 75 amps peak compared to a stock Motorcraft 
that puts out 61 amps (on a good day). Uprated 'stock' alts use the same 
cases with more windings to produce that extra amperage- and copper is a dense 
metal. If yours doesn't weigh more, maybe they used aluminum wires in there 
but they had to increase the windings to get more current. Many 200-amp alts 
that I've seen use larger cases and also include heavier cast-steel 
2-sheave pulleys and need dual vee belts if the rated amperage is actually used. It 
all adds up- J Deryke