will my electrical system survive?

[Nick912]

I'm about to install an upgraded stereo into my '67 912 with it's stock 12v generator. My question is whether or not anyone has had any problems with the car's old electrics not being able to support a modern stereo. I'm putting in a nakamichi head unit with an alpine mrp F450 400watt amplifier, and focal polykevlar component speakers. I think my main concern is whether or not the amp will be getting enough juice.

Previous threads have asked the question but the only response I saw was advice to install large enough wiring to prevent a fire hazard.


Any and all experience and advice welcome!



thanks,


Nick

[Jaems]

N0, the system was design to use the electronics of that era. You are better off going to an Alternator. You might get by if you are using the stereo and amp only. But at night or in the rain. You will be putting too much strain on the system.

If you are interested in going to an alternator. Gary, at Parts Obsolete has a complete bolt-in system. Expensive, but it is complete and no mods needed. I have been using one for about 4 years. I can run the head lights, fogs, wipers, radio with a small amp, and a GPS unit with no noticeable change

[maybe368]

I have a 66 912 with the original 25 amp generator. I recently installed a 400 watt amp (4 x 100). What I have found is that over time the battery, a red top optima, will lose voltage to a point thet I get a no start situation. This is a clicking of the bendix, but not enough oomph to make the secondary contact that spins the starter. I wired a start switch directly from the battery to the starter in order to eliminate any other voltage drop and got the same result. When I put a battery jumpstart unit to the starter switch, it starts every time. Sooo as a result I put the battery on a conditioner charger whenever it is parked, and I keep a fully charged jumpstart unit in the car at all times. This condition started after I installed the amplifier, but I dont really know if it was a coincidence or not, good luck Mark

[Nick912]

Hmm, seems like an upgrade is in order. Can't find anything on the parts obsolete website, so I've emailed Gary for the particulars. I also found this unit for sale in the UK
http://www.machine7.com/product.php?xProd=2976?xSearch=&xProd=2976&currency=2&jssCart=8cca9c4e81fd8c89aac74f2420b9e24c

Looks decent and the price isn't bad even after currency conversion. Shipping cost might be another matter...

Anyone seen this machine7 part before or have any experience with other conversions?


thanks for the info!


Nick

[Scott Douglas]

Nick
I put one of Gary's kits in my old '67 Sunroof 912.
Highly recommend it as it is a complete bolt in as Jaems said.
The machine7 unit looks like it would be for VW's only.
Scott

[Jaems]

The big problem would be the Alternator stand. Rod had those specially built to fit the Porsche 356/912 motor. You need to bolt the oil lank to it as seen in the picture.