so I need an alternator...

[eddie7]

So, I need a new alternator! From my previous thread (www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=13359.0) it has become apparent to me that my weak alternator rained the battery and so now I need both.

Here are the 2 questions (that's the way it always seems to be for me, every car answer I figure out leaves me with 2 new questions):

What type/brand alternator should I get? I am not caught up in replacing everything with all original equipment. I just want one stronger. I think I had a 60 amp, maybe I should go with a 75 or 100 amp?

Would now be a good time to put in a serpentine belt system? While I am doing the alternator and replacing the belts, seems to be the time to do it. Any experience with these, are they worth it, do they really free up some horses? I have a power steering, no A/C. If you think it's worth it, please make some recommendations on type/brand.

BTW, it's a 73 Cuda with a 340. Thanks.

[Chryco Psycho]

iI would use a local rebuilder Powrermaster do not seem to be a very good product 75-80 amps MAx unless you rewire the car or shunt some of the load away from the firewall connector & the ammeter
you could switch to a serp system from a newer LA engine , just make sure you se a reverse rotation water pump

[miketyler]

Eddie - some guys are making the switch to a later model hi-output Denso models. They have a higher output and put out 14v at idle. I will probably be doing this soon myself. Ck out this guys how-to:

http://cuda66273.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=Tech&action=display&thread=1081309590

[ntstlgl1970]

I've been looking at using a 3G alternator from a ford, they put out about 60A at idle speed 130A max and aren't too terrible looking. I have a rebuilt Chrysler one in my car now that was modified with 100A internals/single groove/small dia. pulley, but I think it's just the design of the old chrysler alternator, they don't do a whole lot at idle. Mine puts out about 19A @ idle and 85A over 2200 RPM measured. I'd be interested in seeing which one you go with. I'm going to look into the denso one from the picture/link too...

[mr_bill]

I just re-did most of my charging system.  I Installed a new regulator, a new 65-amp alternator from www.autozone.com, I replaced the wire from the alternator all the way to the battery (the old one was fried, literally), put the headlights on a separate circuit with relays.  I get 14.3 volts at the battery, at idle with high beams on, A/C blower on high, and everything else I could find.  It looks exactly like the old one, but I had to use a longer belt and the lower adjusting hole. The real test will be in a week or so when I change the car over to dual electric fans.  So Far so good, though and it cost me less than $70. Good luck!

Bill