Alternator output requirement
Turbo Mini Forums

I was wondering if anybody on here had ever checked to see how any amps their electrical system draws.

I am wondering if a 40A alternator would be enough for a standard car a MJlj running with a Ford coil and EDIS along with all the normal stuff, lights, spots, heated screen(s) etc. found on most road going builds.

IIRC the ACR17 alternator is rated at around the mid 30's amps wise but gives next to nothing un regulated at idle speeds.

I am thinking, as if you haven't guessed, at fitting an ND alternator to ease front radiator instalation.

I guess we could get an idea if somebody with one of the small ND alternators could post voltage drop between nothing running at idle and everything electrical switched on at idle (and at around 1500RPM too to make sure it's regulating properly). Obviously we would need to know what was switched on ... :)

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Hi,
I'd have thought 40A should just do it, as long as you don't use the spots alot.
I'll add up the current draw in a bit and post it up.
Cheers,
Gavin :)

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Thank you.

I have no idea of the current draw of things like the rear screen and cabin heater ... never measured it!

MJlj is completely new to me although I have used MegaSquirt a fair bit and think that the coil, management (inc injectors) and pump draws around 5A mean.

Any actual information from actual built cars would be more than appreciated.

Edited by RogerM on 9th Jan, 2007.

Every day is a school day ...........

How fast and how expensive ...... the same question...

Well the hillclimber uses about 4A on tickover. That is basically megasquirt, fuel pump and dials.

The biggest user of power I can think of is the lights, but I would say 40A is plenty unless you have big ICE.

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That is what I thought, probably ok for a road car but I don't like amp meters in cars .... will probably fit a volt meter though so I can keep an eye on the charging.

Can always replace it with a Charade one later I guess (they are 50A aren't they????) and use the 40A on my car later.

I have possibly found a reasonably priced supplier localy to me, once I have checked them out I'll let you all know who they are and contact details. Says they can keep up a good supply rate too.

Every day is a school day ...........

How fast and how expensive ...... the same question...

I used a Daewoo matiz alternator 60A (maybe 65A), nice compact unit, it only takes a small amount of moding to fit!

Im guessing its got a high output to charge the battery quicker for those short 2 min journeys the shops and back. Lol

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1/4mile in 13.2sec @ 111 terminal on 15psi

i would fit a 60amp one of the metty turbo, i used to prat about with 40 amp ones and kept burning them out,

especially with a turbo because they are always harder to start when they are hot and when you start putting all thgose fans on in the summer they soon kill an alternator if it isnt upto the job.

as miniwilliams he will soon tell you.

always looking for them bigger bunches of bannanas

I know what you mean, would much prefer to run a higher output alternator but I need a smaller unit or else it all isn't going under the bonnet!

Every day is a school day ...........

How fast and how expensive ...... the same question...

TBH the only reason I fitted the Matiz alternator was because it was the smallest I could find. The only reason I fitted it was to do exactly the same as you, front rad.

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1/4mile in 13.2sec @ 111 terminal on 15psi

I got a small ND one on the metro using a mini (lucas) pulley which is quite a bit smaller,so it goes round a bit quicker 14 volts on tick over and nice bright headlights.

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Nice, cheers. Matty I must say your car is becoming a bit of an inspiration ...

Every day is a school day ...........

How fast and how expensive ...... the same question...