alternator upgrade

[bbbbuick]

Hi all,

My alternator is seemingly giving up the ghost, 12.3v output at hot idle under load. I am adding a hidden media receiver behind the dash and a powered sub in the trunk of the car and it would seem to be prudent to upgrade the alternator to a higher output than the 40ish amps stock as these two items alone can pull 25amps peak. Does anyone have a favorite manufacturer? It seems most high output models are single wire internal regulated, so I would have to bypass my external vr. Any recommendations on how to do this while keeping a stock as possible look under the hood? As usual, any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Elvin

[Weldar]

Elvin - I have had two stock alternators rebuilt by Buckeye Auto Electric - http://www.buckeyeautoelectric.com/. One was a 55A and the other was 42A. They installed a new high output stator in the 42A which now should be good to 85A. Quick turnaround and very responsive to emails.

Dwaine

[Loren At 65GS]

Good source information Dwaine.

Thanks for the posting,
  Loren

[bbbbuick]

Thanks Dwaine,

I'll do some digging to see if someone will do that around me. Any idea on how much the car draws from the heater fan and convertible top? Want to make sure I get a strong enough output. Can an external VR handle the increased amperage?

Elvin

[mrbuick65]

Hello Elvin. If you go to a heavier alternator I have a heavy duty external regulator you can purchase for 40 bucks. It is NOS. Part # 1119519 (D639). Book lists it for a 62 amp alternator.
John