----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2002 12:33
AM
Subject: IML: alternator upgrade
Thought I would share
this info with others on the list.The original alternator on my 67 imp was
always inadequate at idle and low rpms. Especially with the lights on and the
defroster fan operating. Being a single field type it just can't put out the
current at low rpms.I put a digital volt meter in the car so I could see
precisely what my electrical system was doing, at idle usually less than 12
volts, at cruise 14.6, which means underpowering my car and draining the batt
at low rpms, overcharging the batt at cruise.I decided to find a better
alternator. I took a measurement of the case where it mounts at the
bottom and pulley, went to an auto parts store and looked/compared to
some newer mopar alternators. I found a late 80's dodge truck alt. with a
pulley that was the same ,but a hair smaller diameter, the mounting at the
bottom was the same but required switching the mounting bushings with
the original alternator(the overall alternator case is similar the 67 alt.,
but larger). This newer alt is a dual field which puts out at least twice as
much current at idle(the slightly smaller pulley helps even more). And puts
out 86 amps at speed. Because of the larger current capability I by-passed the
amp gauge in the dash(for safety reasons, having all that current flow thru
the dash is a design flaw in mopars anyway) and used the digital
volt meter under the dash to monitor the electrical system. At the same time I
upgraded to the mopar solid state voltage regulator also. Now from idle
to cursing speed, with all the lights on, fan on blinkers, brake lights,
radio on it never goes below 13 volts and at cruise never goes over 13.7
volts, WAY BETTER. It works so well, I am very happy with it, if anybody on
the list is interested in this type of upgrade , I would be glad to provide
more details.
Mike
Becker
67 croen 4dr 67 vert 67 lebaron other
mopars