71 dart

[pyrojim]

I am in the process of re working a 71 dodge dart I bought. It has a 360 400 hp crate motor but spent a lot of time at the track. Motor and trans were pretty much shot. When I put it back together I want to change out the alternator from the 60 amp or what ever it is to a 100 amp single wire. Any one have any insight??? I would appreciate the input on downfalls, thoings to watch for etc.
Thanks

[67vertman]

You will want to bypass the amp gauge and run the wire to the starter relay,

here are the diagrams.

[74challenger03]

pm dodj, he is very smart on stuff like this. Good luck

[pyrojim]

Thanks 67Vertman, that info is very helpful and I appreciate it!

[74challenger03]

The bypass wire is taking the load off your bulkhead, but I would think if you change to a higher amp alt you will need to do more then a bypass wire. Will the voltage regulator handle the amps,your inline fuses? Something to check out so you dont burn up anything.

[pyrojim]

So, I took the alternator to a rebuild shop, the guy said he will rebuild the original but raise it to 120 amps (up from 60).
He says that wont be a problem. Any thoughts? I specifically asks if that puts my electrical system at risk and he said no??
I have to believe him since it only puts ourt what is required at any given time. Again, any input?
Thanks

[Chryco Psycho]

the Regulator can easily handle it , all it does is switch the field circuit ground .
I also agree that the alt just puts out the minimum to keep the system / battery at 14 v but If you are running a lot of accessories you can exceed 60 amps , for example we were running 2 electric fans , electric water pump , EFI , 2 fuel pumps + the usual accessories & the battery was going dead while running so we had to have a 100+ Amp alt to feed enough power , this will overload the factory ammeter & burn or melt it + can overload the wires only rated for 60 amps so I would definatly run the bypass, if the battery was dead for example the alt will go to full charge ! The real question could be asked - is if you do not need more than 60 amps why have 120 amp alt ??

[dodj]

the Regulator can easily handle it , all it does is switch the field circuit ground .
I also agree that the alt just puts out the minimum to keep the system / battery at 14 v but If you are running a lot of accessories you can exceed 60 amps , for example we were running 2 electric fans , electric water pump , EFI , 2 fuel pumps + the usual accessories & the battery was going dead while running so we had to have a 100+ Amp alt to feed enough power , this will overload the factory ammeter & burn or melt it + can overload the wires only rated for 60 amps so I would definatly run the bypass, if the battery was dead for example the alt will go to full charge ! The real question could be asked - is if you do not need more than 60 amps why have 120 amp alt ??

If original, you need to mod the electrical system.
If it was a track car, does it still have the original wiring or was it stripped for racing and you are putting it back to streetable form?

[pyrojim]

It has the original wiring, althought the harnasses have been retro fitted, and poorly I may add. I know there are some grounding issues, but there is also a stereo that has two BIG amps in the trunk. To sum it up, I don't think 120 is required but 60 seems underpowered or at best, borderline.

[pyrojim]

I need to reiterate, this is the stock alternator, not a single wire after market.