High Amp Single Wire Alternator Suggestions?

Buick Brethren -

I have heard folks comment on the relatively short lifespan of high amp single wire alternators. Anybody had good luck with a brand/builder? Looking to get a 120+ A internally regulated si alternator - any recommendations?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

I have a 100 amp unit from db electric.

I had to reclock as its setup for a chevy location....but no big deal.

I used a 200amp marine version on a customer's boat.......it ran for years no issue

 

Why do you need 120A? Seems like a lot.

-Bob C.

 

Big electric fan, multiple electric fuel pumps, full accessories, etc. would rather over build and not worry vs the reciprocal.

Any suggestions? Heard good things about East Coast Electric.

 

Thanks Ben. Haven’t checked out db electric before - will give it a good look.

 

I run a big electric pump, 2 big fans, electric water pump, high current msd ignition. I can race all weekend and never need a charger

 

They are cheaper price for sure.....I dobt street drive mine any.......but you can buy 2 for less than 1 others.

But I have used them on street applications and have yet to have an alternator failure.......the mini starters they sell for our bbb.......didnt last long

 

I have a 120 tho not a single wire.
Have a 90 in my race car. Also not a single wire w plenty of electric crap in it.
I don’t know what the appeal is to single wire.

 

What brands? Any issues you’ve had with yours?

 

90 is power master.

120 is local shop. Island Auto Electric in Valley Stream, New York.
He also fixed my db electric mini starter too.
Had a dead spot from day 1. Now it’s a beast and spins the Buick 464 w ease.

 

Power master is a single wire. Remove the plastic block off and run as a stocky ocky.

 

My race car has a Tuff Stuff 100amp 12SI unit that has been on the car since 2006. No issues, OK, ONE issue: V belt pulley that it comes with is too narrow, the top of the V-belt sticks out of the pulley with no contact. I replaced that with a stock Single groove pulley from a typical 68-72 GM, slightly larger in diameter so it slows the alternator RPM down a bit. What impresses me about this alternator: it will see a full 14 V At idle even with the very small crankshaft pulley I use for this race application. Works fine with the typical Electric fuel pump, water pump, electric fan set up.

Steve weim55 Colorado

 

Thanks for the feedback! I was looking at a few brands, and Tuff Stuff was on the short list.

I thought go bigger than needed and not worry about upgrading or future additions, but the sentiment I'm feeling out is 100A may be more than enough. I'll do some more digging, but all of this helps out tremendously - thank you all!

 

Mine was kicking belts. I replaced the pulley with a Gm factory Hipo I bought 20 years ago. Good to go now. I forgot about that w my power master unit.

 

Get it and change the pulley. You will be god to go.
You need a deep pulley. These new ones don’t let the alternator belt completely fit inside the groove.

 

Tuff Stuff 10si 100amp single wire, 2 years so far......JIM

 

Same as Steve and Jim. I got a chrome tuff stuff 100A single wire. Got it lightly used (1year old) from a guy 2-3 years ago and no issues.