[DeTomaso] Alternator found

[cengles at cox.net]

  Dear John,

                 Thanks for the concise answers.

                           Warmest regards,  Chuck Engles


On Thu, Sep 13, 2012 at 11:55 AM, John Buckman wrote:

> The Pantera seems to have *long* runs of wire between important 
> points.
>>>> Yes, it does.
>
> Is it correct that given a "normal" Pantera, the stock Pantera wiring 
> harness is up the task?
>
>>>> The original wiring is fine for an unmolested (or slightly 
>>>> electrically modified) Pantera.
>
> I think that it is correct that if you significantly up the current 
> (amps) with same diameter wire and the long distances, then you run 
> the risk of increased heat from the resistance of that length of 
> inadequately sized wire.  Is that right?
>
>>>> Yes.
>
> Short of pulling the Pantera wiring harness and re-wiring the whole 
> thing to tolerate any sized mondo amperage and alternator, what is the 
> highest rational amperage alternator that one could use?
>
>>>> The original electrical system was designed to handle the designed 
>>>> loads with a 60 amp alt.
> The 60 amp alt had enough output to take care of the original loads 
> plus a "reserve" (20 - 25%)
> to charge the battery.  IMO, a 60 amp is "safe", although a 75 amp alt 
> would be ok IF the "extra"
> current (amps) would only be used for a very short duration (kind of 
> hard to control that).  This would be for an unmodified (or very 
> slightly modified) electrical system.  The alternator should NOT
> be used for charging a low battery.
>
> If 40 amps were conducted (continuously) through an 8 AWG (gauge) 
> wire, the conductor (wire) and its
> insulation would eventually be heated to 60* C (140* F), based on an 
> ambient temp of 30* C (86* F).
> There are other variables that come in play (for the temp), but this 
> is very close, and should help.
> A current of 60 amps (or even 75 Amps) could safely be passed through 
> an 8 AWG wire, IF it is for a
> very short time (a few minutes).  Otherwise, the wire's temp will rise 
> very quickly.
>
> John
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