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Will a GM alternator hurt in any way?


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Since it cranks out more amps, doesn't is suck more power off the engine lessening HP and MPG? Not that I'm a big power freak but when you've only got 60 or so you need all you can for the hills. Something I've experienced with most of my cars (all old) is that headlights get dim at idle and perk right back up when throttled - obviously an "electricity output dependant on engine speed" thing. Would a big ol Chevy alt solve this?

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Any Alt is going to put out only as much as the system loads the Alt. A system that draws 20 amps will draw the same 20 with a 50 amp alt or a 250 amp alt. The load on the engine is the same either way. The Alt makes no difference - it's the stuff you are running with the alt. So yes - if you turn on 100 amps of stuff (doesn't exist in stock form), and have an alt that can supply that much, then the load on the engine will be 100 amps - neccesarily more than the original 50 amp unit could put out.

 

GD

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Where do you work?

 

dork, you were just there today.

car is not gonna be at work tomorrow, im going through ignition fuses like they grow on trees:confused: :confused: :confused: .

i'll look in my wheel/tire pile for a good one to trade you for that rear drivers wheel. if i cant find one, matt and robert have a tire changing machine:burnout:

 

-mike

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The only thing that may change is how much it is capable of producing at lower RPMs. By design, some alternators can't put out very much current at idle. Don't know how the GM alternators are about that, but it's something to keep in mind.

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