Gen 3 retrofit, what about the charging system(high amps)?

[Todd440]

Trying to think ahead, while the car is still torn apart.  What is the deal with putting a new high amp gen 3 alt into a car that had problems handling 36 amps?  What's the fix for the amp gauge, 70 challenger, rally gauges?  How is the new charging system regulated?

[brads70]

I bypassed the amp gauge by bolting the 2 eyelets on the back of the gauge together shrink wrapped and lots of electrical tape.   Then I ran a heavy wire from the alternator right to the battery. I used this alternator though 250 amps. The stock alternator just doesn't cut it when you add non stock electrical items like fans, fuel pump etc....
http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/item_557/Chrysler-Mount-Mega-Amp-Alternator.htm
Hope that helps! 

[70chall440]

Not sure what other changes you are making to the car, but in terms of wiring I would hope that you are at least inspecting all of the wiring but preferably replacing it all with either an OEM style replacement or wiring kit from someone. In new or exceptionally good condition, the wiring "should" sustain a new style alternator, however with 40+ y/o car I would want the piece of mind that would come with a new harness.

As for the amp gauge, that was answered.

as for how it regulated, on a stock car there is an external electronic regulator. I do not know but I suspect a new style alternator is either internally regulated or perhaps uses something else. I am sure there is someone smarter than me on this issue but I would "think" that you could use a stock style system with the electronic VR as Mopar did have some high amp systems for AC, police, etc vehicles and I believe they used the same VR. I used a stock VR on my 52 Dodge PU with a new 1988 Dodge alternator that I am sure puts out more than the factory 70's something versions.

[YellowThumper]

-edited to clarify better-
I adapted a later model factory higher amp alt from a Magnum setup into my Challenger. The Magnum alternators are regulated in the ECU. The factory regulator is still being used on Challenger. Regulator only controls the voltage. Not the high amps.
Also added a separate fuse and relay block. Alt feeds this first then the normal factory alt wire feeds from this.
Definitely disable your amp gauge or have it Converted to volts.
Eventually with all changes I am doing the factory harness will only handle the few basic items like brake lights and signals. The rest will only feed the relays to trigger remaining items powered with the new block.

Hope that helps.

Mike

[GoodysGotaCuda]

FWIW, at this time I believe only the factory Dodge/Chrysler ECU will control the alternator. Aftermarket ECUs are using factory-like regulators since the field current demand is higher than the aftermarket ECUs are setup for.

[Cudatali]

I recently had the same problem with a '65 mustang build with a 130 amp alternator. The people at PA Performance had everything I needed to make it work safely, i.e. regulator, cable kit and clear instructions. The system worked flawlessly there after. Not sure if they are doing Mopars, but look them up. Hope they can help.

[brads70]

FWIW, at this time I believe only the factory Dodge/Chrysler ECU will control the alternator. Aftermarket ECUs are using factory-like regulators since the field current demand is higher than the aftermarket ECUs are setup for.

I agree with  Goody, I've heard the new alternators are controlled by the vehicles computer , not with internal or external regulators like old school parts.

[YellowThumper]

I agree with  Goody, I've heard the new alternators are controlled by the vehicles computer , not with internal or external regulators like old school parts.

This is correct as I was trying to state previously.

Mike

[Todd440]

Thanks guys.  That explains this:
http://bouchillonperformance.com/inc/sdetail/1702/1380
So I guess it would with the Hotwire setup by itself.  I still don't have my electronics yet.  I'd like to try the newest Megasquirt Hemi setup, but I'm curious if the Hotwire with a Diablo tuner will handle the 426 stroker's HP?  I already have a Hotwire 5.7 harness from another lost project, haven't checked fitment yet.