Tech Question

michael adair, rancho cordova, CA, 1971 plymouth roadrunner 440-6

I want to replace the 50 amp alternator currently in the car to a 100 amp alternator, also I will replace the voltage regulator as it is defective. I recently put AutoMeter gauges in the car and the electrical automotive technician wiring the car said my wiring was in excellent condition. I am doing this because of the demand being placed on the existing electrical system with the external electrical cooling fan which draws up to 24 add'l amps when turned on high and a futute stereo upgrade. Do you foresee a problem with this up grade and/or how shall I prodeed with this project, and, question #2, I want to upgrade my stock coil to one that puts out 40,000 volts for better spark, good idea or not?

Michael-

If you do this, you need to replace the ammeter with a voltmeter, increase all charging system witing to much heavier gauge - something on the order of #8 to 10 AWG, and bypass the bulkhead (firewall) connector.

As a general rule, I recommend against installing high-current alternators unless there's a true need. And even then, only 5-10A. larger capacity than the sum of all potential loads.

As far as ignition systems (coils, ECUs, etc), the rule of thumb is this: if there is no misfiring now, any upgrade is just money flushed down.

Rick

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