I'm getting closer and closer to finishing my project... ran into another problem though. I while back I posted about a radiator I was going to buy on e-bay. I still haven't driven the car on the highway to see if it cools, but I'm pretty sure it's going to work. The problem is the alternator though. The ad said the electric fans didn't draw very much current, but when I turn them on, the voltmeter drops to ~12-12.5 (the voltage of the battery) which I guess means the alternator isn't putting out enough power. So my question is to those of you who have electric fans, what amp rating is your alternator and where did you get it/how much was it? Thanks in advance...
I bought a 140 amp alternator from Jeg's (Jeg's brand) and I haven't had a problem. It may be overkill but I didn't want a problem.
fwiw I had the stocker rebuilt at an altenator shop. After the build up they said it would put out 90 amps. They also added a low rpm kit and used a smaller than stock pulley so that even at say 1,500 rpms its putting out good amprage and this matches with guages. This is important because like you with the 2004R and a big block alot of time is spent cruising at 1,500 to 2,500 rpms. Also I have two electric fans, an electric fuel pump, an aftermarket stereo, and the battery in the trunk. I did have a little trouble at first with it not charging fast enough. In my case my grounds were good and wire from the battery to the starter were good but the wire from the altenator to the starter was a little to small.
electric fans... We run a dual setup from a 2000 camaro and were having the same problem with the alt not charging enough as my son doesn't really drive for too many extended periods of time....thus we installed a shut off to the fan when the ignition is off so are the fans.....no more problem and we are running a 90 amp alt..... Mark
jegs alt i use the legs 100amp alt and havent had a problem if you really want insurance and have the room you can either relocate the battery and put 2 in the trunk or just put one up front and one in the back. Also what size battery are you running try 2 get the highest amp you can get like a 1000cca and 900ca batt
I used a 140 amp alternator for an '84 Turbo Regal with good results. More info can be found at http://v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=77192
