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What would Darth Vader do
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Orange, California
Posts: 1,324
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Help- Choices for new alternator
I am replacing my alternator with a higher amp alternator.. I have a choice of going from my stock 90 amp to 120 amps OR 175 amps. Both are covered under a 1 year warranty. And both are rebuilds of the stock bosch AL29x, so it will fit, and both will put out 13.5 to 14.4 volts. .. And they are comparibly priced.. THE QUESTION IS... Which one???? And what are the risks? Pros and Cons.. Need an answer ASAP!!!
THANKS ALL!!!
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1983 944 (2002 to now) 3-924's (Sold) 1967-912 (Traded) NEVER put a used water pump in your car... |
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08-27-2015, 11:05 PM
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The scientific way to determine the answer to your question is to review the additional electrical load and determine what your appropriate amperage should be.
Or you can look at similarly equipped vehicles and see what alternator came with those cars Or you can go with the biggest unit you can fit in the car and know that you have head room for a winch, FBSS airbag suspension and a really really kick ass stereo - al running at the same time. I had a VW GTI - upgraded the to the four round light grill with higher wattage bulbs, added foglights and driving lights with 90 W bulbs, retro fitted power windows and had a big stereo in it. I went from a 90 amp to 125 or 130 amp unit - basically the unit that came in a Passat or the luxury version of Jetta. No issues. |
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08-28-2015, 11:20 AM
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no jokes about a luxury version of Jetta. Power windows and A/C were serious luxury items when I graduated from college.
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08-28-2015, 11:22 AM
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What would Darth Vader do
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Orange, California
Posts: 1,324
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Thanks bumflick
Are there any downsides to having too many AMPS???
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1983 944 (2002 to now) 3-924's (Sold) 1967-912 (Traded) NEVER put a used water pump in your car... |
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08-30-2015, 12:34 AM
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Quote:
Adding those few accessories shouldn't make that big of a difference. If your alternator is working fine, and if your battery is properly sized and holds a full charge you should be fine. If you have a bad alternator now then you could go up to the next size. The 180 watt seems too extreme and also may not be as reliable. The only time I see issues is in the winter at idle with all of the accessories running (window defogger, A/C, lights, etc) but a good battery will absorb it just fine for a short time. You are more likely to see problems with your headlight wiring harness and switch with what you are planning to do than your alternator. Last edited by djnolan; 08-30-2015 at 07:30 AM.. |
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08-30-2015, 07:13 AM
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What would Darth Vader do
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Orange, California
Posts: 1,324
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Ok... I have the 120amp alternator.Now, first question as I have NOT installed it yet.. Do I need to upgrade to another battery?
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1983 944 (2002 to now) 3-924's (Sold) 1967-912 (Traded) NEVER put a used water pump in your car... |
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09-23-2015, 01:20 AM
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