Author Topic: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion  (Read 8270 times)

Offline Bullitt-

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uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« on: September 27, 2008 - 12:04:22 AM »
I've seen a lot of approaches to upgrading the alternator for more output, some have mentioned a kit from J.C.Whitney that they apparently no longer carry. I ran across this & wonder if anyone had any experience specifically with them......... http://www.alternatorparts.com/chrysler_alt_repair_upgrade_kits.htm

Also found another alternative for the H4 headland conversion. There seem to be lots of options for the single 7" models but the offerings in the dual 5.75" are few and usually pretty pricey. I plan on calling these folks to find out what you get for $13.99 ea. With shipping a set of 4 for $66.00 is by far the lowest price I've seen. Also nice price on the 7" at $17.99 ea.
http://store.go-fast-parts.com/lighting-light-conversion-kits.html
These guys have a lot of interesting racing stuff, although mostly for the off brands, but decent prices & reasonable shipping rates.

I've been wondering about how to wire up two pair of H4s as the bulbs are both designed for hi/low beam whereas the old bulbs you have the low beam with two filaments & the high beam with only one. Is there a proper way to do this?
 
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2008 - 12:17:07 AM »
wiring the headlights is is just plug the 3 prong plug into one & the 2 prong plug into the inner lights thus eliminating the low beam in the center lights

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Offline duodec

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2008 - 01:33:28 AM »
Back in the before time when I was on the MML, the alternator upgrade kits then available were not considered a good deal; apparently they would increase the alternator's maximum output when the engine was running at higher RPMs, but output at the low end and idle would suffer.  In other words the dimming at idle problem could actually get worse.

I never bought one and I don't know if the kits at the site you linked are similar to the ones they used to knock on the MML.

Rich

Offline miketyler

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2008 - 08:13:23 AM »
why not buy a cheap, high-amp unit off a late model Mopar? It bolts right on and is a simple conversion. You may need to consider other mods if you are still running the stock amp gauge setup but its very do-able. I think I paid $25 for a new 120amp unit from a late model Dodge van.   
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Offline 422STROKER

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2008 - 08:20:13 AM »
Are the field connections similar too?

Tom :2thumbs:
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Offline Bullitt-

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2008 - 09:07:53 AM »
wiring the headlights is is just plug the 3 prong plug into one & the 2 prong plug into the inner lights thus eliminating the low beam in the center lights

Ahh, Confucius say, So dahm simple  Dummy can't see the obvious. 

 
Back in the before time when I was on the MML, the alternator upgrade kits then available were not considered a good deal; apparently they would increase the alternator's maximum output when the engine was running at higher RPMs, but output at the low end and idle would suffer.  In other words the dimming at idle problem could actually get worse.

I never bought one and I don't know if the kits at the site you linked are similar to the ones they used to knock on the MML.

Rich

Man I dig your rap.  Appreciate the clue in Dude.

 
why not buy a cheap, high-amp unit off a late model Mopar? It bolts right on and is a simple conversion. You may need to consider other mods if you are still running the stock amp gauge setup but its very do-able. I think I paid $25 for a new 120amp unit from a late model Dodge van.  

For sure the most effective approach, I's just hopin to avoid the adaptation hassle.
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline Aussie Challenger

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #6 on: September 27, 2008 - 09:23:50 AM »
  High out put alternators are good but if you are worried about dull head lights install relays, they take all the load off of your original headlight switch and put full battery voltage at the head lights.
  There has been many threads about this and how to do.   :bigsmile:
Dave

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #7 on: September 27, 2008 - 09:31:55 AM »
  High out put alternators are good but if you are worried about dull head lights install relays, they take all the load off of your original headlight switch and put full battery voltage at the head lights.
  There has been many threads about this and how to do.   :bigsmile:

Yea Buddy, all over that, Just looking to impove the output.......ya know back in the day dimming headlamps were not an issue.............. that I can remember  :smokin:  :smokin:  :smokin:
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline miketyler

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2008 - 11:01:08 AM »
Quote
Are the field connections similar too?

Yes, std push on terminals as I recall and it doesnt matter which wire goes on each pole. 

IIRC, the units come with a dual pulley and they align very close with existing pulleys. To acheive this however, the alt has to be mounted as far back as possible and nearly sits against the head. For this reason, 90* terminal connections must be used and the large power supply stud must be shortened and insulated well. Its a very popular upgrade as its cheap and uses most all of your old hardware and adj. bracket.   
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Offline 422STROKER

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #9 on: September 27, 2008 - 11:12:02 AM »
Yes, std push on terminals as I recall and it doesnt matter which wire goes on each pole. 

IIRC, the units come with a dual pulley and they align very close with existing pulleys. To acheive this however, the alt has to be mounted as far back as possible and nearly sits against the head. For this reason, 90* terminal connections must be used and the large power supply stud must be shortened and insulated well. Its a very popular upgrade as its cheap and uses most all of your old hardware and adj. bracket.   

Thanks Mike, glad to see you around.

I run a ?65A? unit and it seems ok but I think the sound system makes it tough to keep all the time.  That and maybe the cheap battery.LOL

Tom
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Offline ntstlgl1970

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #10 on: September 27, 2008 - 12:15:58 PM »
Goody has a how to on his website, maybe he will chime in here.
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Offline miketyler

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #11 on: September 27, 2008 - 02:12:12 PM »
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Offline cudagirl4406pk

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #12 on: September 27, 2008 - 05:11:19 PM »
I have the h4 healights on my cuda i got the 100 wat bulbs in all fours headlights and i got a powermaster 160 amp alternator.I got my headlights from fat rodder off ebay for $120 for all four with upgraded headlights.They are awesome never have a problem seeing.I got the wiring diagram off this site from goods.My husband still has the instructions if you really need them pm me i will put you in contact with him.

michele
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Offline cudagirl4406pk

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2008 - 05:16:01 PM »
Just found the post from way back with the instructions go to this

http://goodysgotacuda.com/Headlights.html
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Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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Re: uprade alternator & H4 light conversion
« Reply #14 on: September 27, 2008 - 07:42:48 PM »
thanks for the link, here is a little alternator info too.

http://www.goodysgotacuda.com/DensoUpgrade.html
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