Author Topic: Alternator upgrade  (Read 1548 times)

Offline noreastfish

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Alternator upgrade
« on: March 12, 2020 - 11:59:24 PM »
I have been thinking about upgrading my alternator to a 1 wire alternator.  Some people have suggested that I stay with the 3 wire setup that came on the car. My question is where do you get a 100amp 3 wire alternator and what needs to be done to the existing wiring to make it work? Everybody sells the 1 wire alternator. I haven't seen anyone selling 3 wire setup. Do you also upgrade the voltage regulator?  Any help would be appreciated. 




Offline 70chall440

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Re: Alternator upgrade
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2020 - 12:16:27 AM »
I dont have any experience with the 1 wire alternators other than researching them once or twice but from what I recall there or is reasons not to use them. I use 3 wire alternators, specifically I get Nippo Denso alternators at the local parts store, one for a 89 Dakota 120 Amp. They connect just like the stock one and use the stock regulator, the down side is that you have to modify, make or source new brackets. It is not that hard but does require some work.  AR Engineering makes brackets for them http://arengineering.com/products/denso-60-amp-kit-for-small-blocks/ They say "60 Amp" but I think you can put any Denso alternator on them but I am not sure about that.

Also, read this https://www.mymopar.com/charging.htm

As well as look at this http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline SlyGuy

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Re: Alternator upgrade
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2020 - 08:43:16 PM »
Hey guy's,
Your exchange caught my attention, because I am at the point where I need to get an alternator and a starter for my engine build. And I'm really not sure what I need. I have built a late '90's 360 magnum for my '72 Challenger. I will not be running A/C, and don't plan to have a lot of add on's (except maybe electric fan?).

If I understand your post, are you saying that an alternator from an '89 Dakota 120 amp will work? And would I still use the external voltage regulator like what was on my Challenger? I work at O'Reilly Auto Parts, so having something specific to look up would be nice, since I'm not 100% sure what the heck I'm doing :clueless:

Same question for the starter??? Thanks!!!




Offline 70chall440

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Re: Alternator upgrade
« Reply #3 on: April 08, 2020 - 11:07:20 PM »
Yes that alternator should work fine, but you are going to have to make/get mounts. How about using the same system that the engine came with?

As for a started, essentially any of the small mopar starters should work, I don't remember the year range but they are relatively new. Look up something for like a 99 - 05 Ram. Sometimes you have to change the contacts as some of them have a block on there, its very easy, just remove the 2 nuts and remove the block then install the starter and connect the wires (with out the block).

Do a little research online for after market starters, someone should state what the year range is or perhaps one of the Mopar articles/forums.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Alternator upgrade
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2020 - 12:39:17 AM »
Found this on another site

ask for a starter from a 93-95 dodge truck w/ 360
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)