[DeTomaso] upgrading to high output alternator

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

There's an article in this month's POCA Newsletter on adapting a more 
efficient internally-regulated alt to your stock wiring. The stock Pantera 
alternator maxed out at 61 amps of current. There's an identical appearing Ford 
Motorcraft alt that put out 48 amps, so unless you've measured yours, a PO may 
have gone to Cheap Auto Parts Inc. for a 'stock replacement' and stuck an 
undersized one in. 
Somewhere around 85 or so amps, if you're actually using that much current, 
the drive belt system may need upgrading, as a single vee belt will be hard 
pressed to keep up. It may be a delicate balance to drive an 85-100 amp alt 
without a squealing belt (too loose), or wearing out your waterpump 
bearings (belt too tight). 
Also around 85 amps- if you're really using that much electrical- the 
'essential thingys' you've added may need their own dedicated wires, sized & 
fused accordingly. Good luck- J Deryke