85 Amp alternator a good idea?

[2double02]

Is installing an 85 amp alternator with built in regulator going to offer any significant advantage over the stock 35 amp unit with external regulator? I will not be powering any massive systems in the car but the price difference is pretty small to upgrade.

Thanks,

Brad

[philv]

it's a huge improvement. I'm currently looking into replacing my 35amp alternator because I'm tired of the dim dash and head lights.

[ClayW]

Is installing an 85 amp alternator with built in regulator going to offer any significant advantage over the stock 35 amp unit with external regulator? I will not be powering any massive systems in the car but the price difference is pretty small to upgrade.

Thanks,

Brad

YES.

No dimming lights and you can upgrade anything in your electrical system without worrying (starter, stereo, microwave oven, etc.).

[74tiiGolf]

YES!

Matthew

[bluedevils]

Do it!

[boxy02]

stupid question...where do you get one? Any mods to install?

[ClayW]

stupid question...where do you get one? Any mods to install?

Not a dumb question.

You'll need a 1984-85 318i alternator mount and adjustment arm. Then you can use any E30 alternator. Wire it per Zenon's example.

[Harv]

I just bought one for a 2002 on eBay that fits the stock mounts.

John

[ClayW]

Harv/John,

I've been watching your project since before I even had a screen name. I remember ogling pictures of that beast when it was in primer. When is that puppy getting on the road?

[TobyB]

I'm running a junkyard 320 (77-79) with the internal regulator.

The capacity's no big improvement.

The internal regulator works a lot better.

t

[Kidasters]

Yes.

The 320 alternator is like 55 amps, or something like that.

I did the 85 amp e-bay alt for awhile. It wasn't enough.

I'm running a 130 or so amp now, and I love it. A/C running and all lights on, and no problems charging the battery.

The 35 amp alt sucks.

Upgrade.

Ken

[ClayW]

Yes.

The 320 alternator is like 55 amps, or something like that.

I did the 85 amp e-bay alt for awhile. It wasn't enough.

I'm running a 130 or so amp now, and I love it. A/C running and all lights on, and no problems charging the battery.

The 35 amp alt sucks.

Upgrade.

Ken

130!? Awesome. What electronics are you running?

[Kidasters]

A/C eats it all up Clay. Really - it's the blower motor fan. The original one died, and the replacement eats a lot of power.

I went to Rush Power Systems (www.rushps.com) as per Otis. Darren is awesome, and set me up with a bolt in solution.

that's 130 amps hot as well. It's actually higher if the alternator stays cool.

[74tiiGolf]

Yes.

I'm running a 130 or so amp now, and I love it. A/C running and all lights on, and no problems charging the battery.

The 35 amp alt sucks.

Upgrade.

Ken

That's nuts! 85 is enough for my H4s, fog lights OR driving lights and 900W of stereo. That A/C fan MUST need a lot of juice!

Matthew

[Harv]

Harv/John,

I've been watching your project since before I even had a screen name. I remember ogling pictures of that beast when it was in primer. When is that puppy getting on the road?

Who knows. All I can say is I'm trying.

John