<VV> Uprated Alternator?

[Dennis & Debbie Pleau]

You get 63 amps by ordering an alt for a 70 Nova with a 350 and air.  Just 
swap the fan and front housing with the 35 amp and it is a direct replacement

I learned this last month on the VVs and made the swap on my car.

Dennis

At 02:53 PM 5/31/2005, Bill Elliott wrote:
>Slowly working out a plans on my newly-acquired '71 Corvair 
>Westfalia...between upgraded H4 lighting, Hella driving lights, and dual 
>batteries (inc a deep
>cycle marine battery) I think the stock 35amp alternator might find itself 
>overtaxed in some situations.  I'd like to upgrade, but don't know much 
>about the
>higher-output units.  Some questions:
>
>1. I understand they are more prone to throw/break belts. This is a PG 
>application, so should I be concerned about this since there are no harsh 
>shifts?
>
>2. It looks like many/most? of the uprated units are "single wire" 
>types... since this is a "hack in" to the VW electrical system, I'm 
>thinking I should stay with
>a stock hookup... is this a misplaced concern? Are "normal" HO alternaters 
>even available? Anyone have one for sale?
>
>3. My Alt light already glows under heavy electrical use (headlamps, even 
>brighter with turnsignals on)... is this an indication of an already taxed 
>alternator or
>more an indication of the mating of the electrical systems?
>
>4. I want a VERY obvious indicator of a thrown belt. Use the small warning 
>lamp to drive a relay to a much brighter light? Or set up a completely 
>different
>system like Warren's pressure-activated warning lamp? (The warning lamp 
>"as is" would be sufficent for most of us, but I need it to be obvious for 
>even
>drivers of modern cars.)
>
>5. I'm also thinking of adding a small, light cheap generator. This would 
>be to provide some power for comfort items when camping without AC but 
>also as a
>backup to recharge the batteries should they both end up dead.... prices 
>seem to range from $120 for an offbrand 950W 42lb 2 stroke to $900+ for a 
>similar
>Honda 4 stroke weighing 65lbs.  Anyone with any generator advice (or a 
>used generator for sale?). Figured I could also get use of this in my race 
>trailer...
>assuming I ever go to the track again!
>
>6. Last question... I'd like to "brag" about my Corvair power... John was 
>too classy for this, allowing the performance to speak for itself.... but 
>now with the
>wide variety of transplants in use out there, what would be a subtle 
>emblem/sticker to use on the back? I was thinking a simple "110" engine 
>emblem...but
>few people would recognize that as Corvair...
>
>Overall, I'm looking for optimal touring reliability... the van is already 
>set up extremely reliably thanks to John Moody... but as I'm adding gear 
>and potentially
>more inexperienced drivers I want to at least maintain the safety margin.
>
>Thanks!
>Bill Elliott