Delco Alternator--MK 2

I've heard on these forums that there is an alternator with higher amperage that was produced by GM, and is on some versions of Buicks, but not others.

This brings up the question in my mind--how does an alternator supply greater amperage? Is the newer one somehow more efficient (windings?), or does it just suck more power off the crank?

If it's efficiency, then GM just lost face in my eyes for putting out a crappier product in a lame effort to cut costs :(

However, if the new alt sucks more power from the crank, then is it worth it?

**Also, the thought that if you demand more electrical energy from your ride your alt will have to suck more HP to deliver makes me think that all these people who put 'systems' in their ride are hurting performance two-fold.
(weight and electrical demand)

Is there any truth to that?

Thanks,
--VrmlBasic

I've heard on these forums that there is an alternator with higher amperage that was produced by GM, and is on some versions of Buicks, but not others.

This brings up the question in my mind--how does an alternator supply greater amperage? Is the newer one somehow more efficient (windings?), or does it just suck more power off the crank?

If it's efficiency, then GM just lost face in my eyes for putting out a crappier product in a lame effort to cut costs :(

However, if the new alt sucks more power from the crank, then is it worth it?

**Also, the thought that if you demand more electrical energy from your ride your alt will have to suck more HP to deliver makes me think that all these people who put 'systems' in their ride are hurting performance two-fold.
(weight and electrical demand)

Is there any truth to that?

Thanks,
--VrmlBasic

Alternator capacity is matched to the electrical needs of the automobile. There's no attempt to put in less than adequate alternators to save money.

How does an alt that puts out more 'power' obtain that power?

How does an alt that puts out more 'power' obtain that power?

The power is obtained from increasing the current through the rotor windings which translates into a larger magnetic field around the rotor windings. As the alternator is rotated, the magnetic lines of force from the rotor cuts the windings of the startor windings which then delivers the current to the load. Of course, the windings for the rotor and stator would have to be a larger guage wire to handle the extra current. Also, the field and bridge rectifier diodes would have to be larger to handle the extra current. Hope this helps!

If your thinking of getting a “Ghetto Blasting-Rockin-Shockin Stereo” installed; you may want to consider the Delco-Remy CS-144 (http://www.alternatorparts.com/CS-144_Special_offer.htm)type alternator. In addition, don’t forget to upgrade the wiring…DOH!:nono:

How does an alt that puts out more 'power' obtain that power?

From the engine of course! The more power you draw from the alternator, the harder it gets for the engine to turn the alternator, therefore the engine uses more HP to turn the alternator.

How does an alt that puts out more 'power' obtain that power?
If I remember correctly, an alternator takes about 1-HP for every 25-amp output. If you have a 105 amp alternator, you are talking about 4-HP max. Of course, under normal conditions, the alternator output load should never go up to the maximum, unless your battery is discharged, or you have that “ghetto blaster” installed!:evillol:

Thanks--that's more of what I was asking---Greater demand means more power, and that power's gotta come from somewhere--and that somewhere is the crank.

So the higher quality alts are just designed for a greater load at all times...... makes sense.

**The LeSabre has lag issues carrying my 'crew' around anyhow--the only thing I've been able to outrace was a customized Lincoln sedan with tint and Rims that looked like something you'd see on a Hummer in a music vid.

I couldn't afford to be suckin myself dry with a stereo that could blow clothes offa women, or push other cars away with sound alone.....the car just couldn't take it!
(and anything that requries a 1 farad capacitor to be installed in your trunk is just overkill!)

Thanks,
--VrmlBasic