Im installing an air ride system in my 67 lesabre. The compressors draw about 32 amp combined. I think i need to upgrade my alternator to a higher output, as of now i believe i have a stock 63amp alt? im not positive. By getting an alternator with a higher output, say, 120amps, can i fry anything in the car, is it dangerous to upgrade like this? o No: thanks
The alternator will only put out the current that is "drawn" from it. The compressors (or any other load, for that matter) will draw only the amperage they need. So as long as you make sure the compressors are wired on the wire gage size that is required for the current they will see, you will not burn anything up. I believe a wire's rating is sometimes also printed on the insulation. The best set up for hi current is to use a switching relay, low amperage to turn on a separate hi amperage circuit that powers the load. Probably what comes supplied with your air system anyhow. Hope this helps. Ken G.
Is the 32 amps continuous or the inrush as the compressors start. If the 32 amps is continuous the inrush will be 100 amps or higher. You may need to wire it to the battery. If the compressors don't run that often you may not need to upgrade the alternator by using the battery as the engery source and than just charge the battery. If the 32 amps is continuous a minimum of 12AWG will be needed.
the compressors only come on when the pressure in the tank props below 150 then they start pumping again till 200psi then shut off. while they were running and my car was at idle my volt meter read around 9volts. im not sure if thats ok or not. All wire is fairly heavy. i have 8awg coming from the batt to the trunk, then 10awg to the compressors and relays and grounds.
If the compressors run intermittently and not continuously, you probably don't need a larger alternator. The battery can store quite a bit of juice for intermittent loads, and then can be replenished slowly. If you do upsize your alternator, you will probably need to increase the main wire coming from your alterntor. MAD Electrical has some nice kits for doing this kind of thing. I would try running the system without changing your alternator, I think you'll find you don't need a new alternator. -BC
ok ill try that. if my car doesnt start after a week ... im coming for you... ha i was just worried about the gauge reading, but since my charging system isin proper working order then im assuming the battery will charge properly
Do the compressors run when the car is off? I hope not! (In that case you could have a million amp alternator but the batteries would still die) -BC
they can run when the car is off if the pressure in the tank goes below 150 (i.e. leak in the tank) However, i have a master kill switch that cuts the power to the sending unit for the compressors. Thank goodness im aware of the repurcussions you are referring to!
If you're going to look into upgrading your electrical, take a look at the Optima batteries- the blue top ( Marine ) might be a good fix for you, and since this IS your toy, why not go ahead and upgrade the Alt. if you've got the $$- that and the Optima and you can forget about your charging system for a few years... Cheers! Robert
If the compressor is hooked up through the battery the system should not get to 9V. If you put a meter on the battery you should get 12V. If you put is on the system when the engine is running you should get 14V.
If it will fit in a 65, I upgraded to a 12SI series alternator in my 455 Buick. http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/delcoremy.shtml Works great!! An even BETTER battery is the Odyssey battery by Enersys. Much lighter, smaller, and reliable than those other colored top batteries. ElectraJim
Actually 9v is ok IF it's under full load & the alternator is charging high amperage.But your pushing the limits & lifespan of both the alternator & battery if this is a normal condition,upgrading the alt would be a good choice:beer pm me if interested.
I am also in the market for a new alternator for my 70 462. It will be for a strip application primarily. What is everyones recommendations?o No: I have always used a new delco but was looking at a 100amp powermaster from jegs or summit. are they worth the money?
read the post above - Jamie's is worth the money, he's here to answer your questions, sponsors this board, and puts whatever little profit there is into his Buicks ... I call that a Win-Win situation :beers2:
^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^ I bought one of Jaime's 140 amp alts and a mini starter from him. Great guy to deal with.
