<VV> Uprated Alternator?

[JVHRoberts at aol.com]

OK, I'll do this one at a time, based on my experiences. 
 
1. I've never noticed an increased frequency of belt failures, even with a  
72 amp 10SI conversion.
 
2. Skip the single wire types, too many issues and problems with them.  
Besides, you WANT that light for thrown belts!  Stick with 10SI internally  
regulated types. IF you were adventurous, find a way to adapt a CS130 to a  Corvair 
front housing. GOBS more output at idle, and no dimly glowing idiot  light! But 
probably more than what you want to get into. 
 
3. The dimly glowing light is a common problem, and doesn't mean you're  
overloaded. I believe it's caused by voltage drop across the big feeder to the  
front, not to mention crappy ground connections. IMHO...
 
4. You need a more obvious light? Why? That light is pretty clear to me!  
However, just take out the red lens. It'll be blindingly obvious then!!
 
5. OK....
 
6. How about the 2.7 emblem off of a Porsche, or one of the newer Audis?  <G>
 
 
In a message dated 5/31/2005 3:53:39 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
Corvair at fnader.com writes:

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