My alternator questions

[tommyg29]

Finally Im going to get around to removing my alternator and trying to juice it for a few more amps. Can anyone tell what I have from the pictures and what kind of amps it "should" be putting out, and whether its even worth upgrading at the local electric shop. Was thinking maybe getting it rewound.
I'm running an electric pump, a/c etc, and my battery is always going from 13.7 amps fully charged (I keep it on a tender) to about 12.2 amps after a 5-6 mile weekend drive, so I know its not putting out.
PS- I already did the alternator bypass to the starter relay with about a 10 or 12 gauge wire.
Thanks for any advice, and Merry Christmas

[Moparal]

single groove pulley leads me to believe it's a 35 amp, could be a 45 though. If it has been rebuilt, it could be anything

[tommyg29]

Thanks,
35 or 45...wow, didnt know they made them that puny. I thought 50-60 amps was more typical in 70-71, and I thought they were generally upgradable to 60-75 amps, depending on how many windings can be stuffed into it, but I'm no expert!
Ive also read somewhere that about 75 amps is the max you should go without upgrading the rest of they system, but I think the bypass handles most of those problems...correct me if I'm wrong.

[Moparal]

I used to think the same thing.  But the dbl pulley alts are for a/c and carry more amps like you thought.  Single groove didn't need the extra amps, so they thought back then.  And yes, you can get a 65 amp over the counter for it, and yes 75 pushes the limit for the gauge size

[dodj]

My '73 came stock with a 37 amp alternator. I have a 60 there now. It is probably more economical to buy a new higher output alt than to 'juice up' the old one. 

[brads70]

A few options? 
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/chromal.html
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/delialbrpk.html

[Katfish]

Here's some good info

http://www.allpar.com/history/mopar/electrical.html

[heminut]

FWIW, I am running the stock 5.7 Hemi alternator in my car with a stock 1970 type electronic voltage regulator. The 5.7 alternators have well over 100 amp rating and I've had no issues with my stock wiring, although I do have the factory amp gauge bypassed.

[Moparal]

Just remember the spade type terminals on the bulk head are not heavy duty enough for 100 amps. Upgrades in key areas are required, so you dont experience a melt down down the road in the future. This happens usually when you figure all is ok..   

[tommyg29]

will do.
I'm gonna keep the amps to 75 max

[Chryco Psycho]

with the bypass to the start relay you will have no problems even at 120 amp output

[tommyg29]

well, I bit the bullet today after removing my alternator yesterday and determing it was only putting out about 10-11 volts.
Ordered the 75 amp classic style from Mancini for $125. I figure it should be an exact replacement fit, so no frustrations there, and why bother having the old one rewound. These things are throwaways, unless it was date coded correct and an original car, which mine isnt.
I just hope 75 amp is enough for msd ignition, electric fuel pump, a/c, radio, etc.
I'll let you know.