60 Amp Alternators

[ninjazombiemaster]

Hey guys. Just wondering how much of a difference those who have swapped their alternators to larger (60 Amp), internally regulated units saw in their cars?

I run a Retrosound stereo on its built in amplifier (20 watts x 4 RMS/ 40 watts peak x 4 channels) and a fairly heavily updated sound Kenwood sound system. There are probably other electrical upgrades, I'm guessing headlamps and other misc stuff but I myself didn't change any of that.

Its on a '73, so I'm aware I'll have to either disconnect the FP relay or rewire to the ignition. Not sure how to do that, but if I (or my dad, who specializes in car electronics) somehow can't figure that out I know where to come

[SteveJ]

No, no, no. Don't rewire the fuel pump relay to the ignition. You want it to cut off if the engine stalls. That means using a diode in the right place or using an oil pressure switch.

[ninjazombiemaster]

No, no, no. Don't rewire the fuel pump relay to the ignition. You want it to cut off if the engine stalls. That means using a diode in the right place or using an oil pressure switch.

For safety reasons in an accident I'm guessing? Fair enough.. Ok. I'm sure thats in other threads so I'll see what I can find in regards to that.

[SteveJ]

That would be correct.

[ninjazombiemaster]

Okay. Do have any experience in terms of how the swap effects the car? Since its not an expensive upgrade, I'd just like some feedback before I get into it to know if its worth the time.

[SteveJ]

Conventional wisdom says it's an improvement. I can't tell you how much. As for the fuel pump relay issue, the power for the relay coil comes off the yellow wire. Somewhere on here, someone posted the wiring for the Nissan change. If I could find it, I could tell you where you need to look for wire. Meanwhile, are you sure you have an electric fuel pump?

[ninjazombiemaster]

Conventional wisdom says it's an improvement. I can't tell you how much. As for the fuel pump relay issue, the power for the relay coil comes off the yellow wire. Somewhere on here, someone posted the wiring for the Nissan change. If I could find it, I could tell you where you need to look for wire. Meanwhile, are you sure you have an electric fuel pump?

No I'm not. I'm believe the wiring is present at the very least but I'm at work and can't be sure. If its not there, or not hooked up, I would like to get one / get it working, so it'd be smart to have the relay correctly set up. Look at me getting hung up on something that may not present an issue

I was looking at rock auto, and they looked to have units for about $30 shipped from the normal manufacturers, so I'd probably go that route. Beats the 100 something dollar Bosch kit from MSA. I'd just need the adapter if I chose not to splice for reversibility.

[SteveJ]

The fuel pump is easy to find. Just look at the gas tank behind the passenger side rear wheel.

If you choose to add one, make sure it is a low flow pump. Carburetors don't need 30 PSI.