M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Electrical => Topic started by: ak96ss on March 13, 2006, 05:53:03 PM

Title: Alternator upgrade?
Post by: ak96ss on March 13, 2006, 05:53:03 PM

I am in the final stages of adding large quantities of dead weight to the rear end of my sporty little 318is, in the form of amplifiers, an amplifier rack, and a DVC sub.

I've not powered anything on yet, still sorting the wiring out, but I am mildly concerned that the alternator may not be up to the task.

Has anyone upgraded their alternator, and, if so, to what?  I'd like a little more than the 80 or 90 amps I have found so far.

Thanks!

Title: Alternator upgrade?
Post by: kowalski on March 13, 2006, 06:43:37 PM

i have a 150 amp GM alternator. you have to get the top bracket lengthend by about 2 inches, and make a bracket for the bottom mount. switch the pulleys and it works fine. just get a generic 2 wire one, i believe mine was 150$ canadian, and its chrome... pm me if you want any more details.

Title: Alternator upgrade?
Post by: Febi Guibo on March 13, 2006, 07:16:38 PM

Quote from: kowalski

i have a 150 amp GM alternator. you have to get the top bracket lengthend by about 2 inches, and make a bracket for the bottom mount. switch the pulleys and it works fine.

Dude, 150 amps is a hot upgrade... the people demand pics and a writeup!!

Title: Alternator upgrade?
Post by: kowalski on March 13, 2006, 11:58:35 PM

hahaha well ill get on that as soon as i get my computer back. hopfuly should have pics weekend!

i was pretty happy with it, i did a 120 amp but i burned that one out too...
my local mechanics told me it wouldn't be possible but i showed them....

Title: Alternator upgrade?
Post by: 1991318is on March 22, 2006, 12:01:20 AM

check summitracing.com they have huge alternators for gm. I've got a 110 amp one in my pickup and has been perfect for 4 years now.

Title: Alternator upgrade?
Post by: kowalski on March 22, 2006, 01:56:11 AM

i had a 120, and it burned out after a year, i'd opt for the 150 personaly... especialy because the pulley's have to be switched and the e30 one is a bit underdriven, so its probably opnly a 140 amp with the e30 pulley. i'll get on that rightup this week tho after im done my papers!