Time to upgrade alternator?

[dakota]

I'm looking for advice on how much of an upgrade I need to make on my existing alternator.  The one I have is a stock unit with the rated output in the range of 50-60 amps.  I have a stock 340 - 4 bbl with 4 speed and a/c.  The water pump and cooling fan are also stock.  I've had the ammeter to voltmeter conversion done on my dash and will be setting up the headlights on relays to keep the current out of the firewall connector. I just ordered a Tanks Inc 195 liter/hr in-tank fuel pump since I'm going to be using one of the FiTech throttle body injection systems.  I have plans/dreams of eventually adding an amplifier for the sound system and a MSD box, but those are a year or two away at minimum.  I would describe my car as "mostly stock" so OEM appearance is nice to have but not mandatory. 

I'm pretty sure what I have isn't going to be enough, so how big should I go?   I've seen other posts with Brads70's suggestion on a vendor but wasn't sure which amp choice would cover all of the above without overkilliing it. There were also posts describing an upgrade kit (80 amp?) to add in to the existing alternator, but there have also been concerns voiced about the output level at idle. 

I welcome opinions and guidance.  Thanks much.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Powermaster makes a stock-looking upgrade alternator that apparently does well at idle. I saw it on Summit for $165 and will likely try it on my Warlock.

[Topcat]

Regardless of what negative comments are made of the Powermaster alternator like what CP has made...

Mine is over 2 years old and doing fine. 

[Bullitt-]

Powermaster makes a stock-looking upgrade alternator that apparently does well at idle. I saw it on Summit for $165 and will likely try it on my Warlock.

Goodyman ..I recall you doing the Denso thing on your's several years ago...
       How did that work out long term?
  That's been by template to get better & reliable... 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Goodyman ..I recall you doing the Denso thing on your's several years ago...
       How did that work out long term?
  That's been by template to get better & reliable...

I never had any issues with it, the 318 was put to rest with it still working fine. The Warlock needs to look 110% stock [according to my Wife, it's her truck], otherwise I'd do that to the 360.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Goodyman ..I recall you doing the Denso thing on your's several years ago...
       How did that work out long term?
  That's been by template to get better & reliable...

It's yours for shipping. Worked two years ago when the car last had an engine in it.



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[dakota]

Mine is over 2 years old and doing fine.

Topcat - what size engine are you running?   The reason I ask is that there are comments on the Summit listing for the Powermaster alternator that there is a fitment issue for 340's that have a/c.   One comment indicated it's a clearance issue involving the valve cover, but there's not a lot of specifics.

[Topcat]

Topcat - what size engine are you running?   The reason I ask is that there are comments on the Summit listing for the Powermaster alternator that there is a fitment issue for 340's that have a/c.   One comment indicated it's a clearance issue involving the valve cover, but there's not a lot of specifics.

The one in the picture below.

426 Hemi

[cudaClive]

What about Flaming River alternators? Are they any good? They have a 170A and a 240A. Those would work. I'm looking for an upgraded alternator as well, for my 440 cuda.

See: http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0023/s0013

[Katfish]

I'm in similar situation, 340/AC mainly stock but looking at FiTech.
Any idea how much current the electric fuel pump draws?
Aren't the later 80's alternators, that are directly bolt in, 80A?

With the amp meter bypass & and headlight relays and LEDs for all the other lights, I'd hope 80A would be plenty?

[Mpdlawdog]

 

[Topcat]

What about Flaming River alternators? Are they any good? They have a 170A and a 240A. Those would work. I'm looking for an upgraded alternator as well, for my 440 cuda.

See: http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0023/s0013

Geez, look at the prices on them.

Are the made out of platinum?

[Katfish]

Checked RockAutp,
80 Diplomat, 100A, $60

[crash340]

member 70chal440 just did this
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=115100.180

[Katfish]

Lotta work, Diplomat alternators are direct bolt in?