A couple more points...
Alternator output is listed on the alternator, for example my 90A Bosch has this bit of code: N1-> 14V 34/90, which translates to 14 volts at 3400 rpm (alternator speed, faster than crankshaft speed due to pulley size), and 90 Amps. But it is commonly assumed (i love that phrase) that maximum continious alternator output is at best only 2/3 of their max rating. So with that in mind: - Dave C. will have 460W of light producing apparatus up front - A 90 A alternator will continiously produce 0.667(90A*14W) = 840W Leaving 380W "spare"! (the 55A alternator will be able to produce 0.667(55A*14V) = 514W) Also remember that this doesn't take into consideration losses due to wiring resistance etc. BTW Dave C., my alternator is currently (!) handling a 450W light load with no problems, don't have the killer stereo though.
Alistair
on 26/6/01 7:08 PM, David Marshall at vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG wrote: > Making things a worse case scenario... > > P = I x V > 460 = I x 12 > I = 460 / 12 > I = 38 Amps > > Unless you have a killer stereo a 90A alternator should be fine. If you > have a 55 Amp alternator maybe you should upgrade. > > David Marshall > > Fast Forward Automotive Inc. > 4356 Quesnel Hixon Road > Quesnel BC Canada V2J 6Z3 > mailto:info@fastforward.ca <mailto:info@fastforward.ca> > http://www.fastforward.ca <http://www.fastforward.ca> > Phone: (250) 992 7775 FAX: (250) 992 1160 > > . Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions > . Transporter, Unimog and Iltis Sales > . European Lighting for most Audi and Volkswagen models > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf > Of Dave C. > Sent: June 26, 2001 6:59 PM > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM > Subject: 130Amp alternator upgrade? > > > I think I remember someone saying that there was a Jetta alternator that > would bolt in to provide 130 amps. Anyone remember the particulars? > > My ride is an 85 GL Westy with soon to be 460 watts of light up front (260w > now). > > Cheers, > Dave C. > Williamsburg, VA > zzzzzzzzz__ > |E[__] [__]|[_]\\ > | _DC&SP | _ || > * * * =-( )---------( )--= > '85 GL Westy (His) > '91 Cabriolet (Hers) > |
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