What advantages to alternator vs generator?

Warner · Post by **Warner** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:09 am

I'm having an engine built and sent my generator to the builder. He's recommending that I use an alternator instead of the generator. What advantages are there to an alternator? What else in my electrical system will need to be changed out once I get the completed engine?

Thanks in advance,

Warner

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:14 am

Generators put out 30amps while the alternator puts out 55amps.

If you generator is 12 volts then it's a simple swap and you need to remove the original regulator since the new AL82 alternators have an internal regulator.

volkaholic1 · Post by **volkaholic1** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:15 am

the other big advantage is that generators have brushes that wear & must be replaced. Alternators don't have this problem.

Warner · Post by **Warner** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:16 am

Glenn wrote:Generators put out 30amps while the alternator puts out 55amps.

If you generator is 12 volts then it's a simple swap and you need to remove the original regulator since the new AL82 alternators have an internal regulator.

Glenn, thanks for the ultra-quick and very informative post. You are an assett here!

Warner

PS - I'll let you know how my 2180 (thick walled 92's like yours) does on DRD's dyno when he gets it together!

Warner · Post by **Warner** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:17 am

Glenn wrote:Generators put out 30amps while the alternator puts out 55amps.

If you generator is 12 volts then it's a simple swap and you need to remove the original regulator since the new AL82 alternators have an internal regulator.

Glenn, thanks for the ultra-quick and very informative post. You are an assett here!

Warner

PS - I'll let you know how my 2180 (thick walled 92's like yours) does on DRD's dyno when he gets it together!

Ol'fogasaurus · Post by **Ol'fogasaurus** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:29 am

I think you have the change the fuel pump too with the offset one.

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:46 am

If you go alternator.. you want a 2 terminal (internally regulated) alternator.. not the Motorola.

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:52 am

Ol'fogasaurus wrote:I think you have the change the fuel pump too with the offset one.

Correct.

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:35 am

If you choose to use an alternator... mind if the title is changed to "alternator conversion?"

Could expand to the parts etc.

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:39 am

This post is based on a very smart question

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=107828

So we all can become involved..

1-What parts are required?
2-What are the common mistakes?
3-Which alternator do you suggest?
4-Any tricks?
5-Did I miss something?

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:40 am

moved

Boneloader · Post by **Boneloader** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 7:30 pm

MNAirHead wrote:If you choose to use an alternator... mind if the title is changed to "alternator conversion?"

Could expand to the parts etc.

I think the "what advantages to an alternator... " is a valid question--

I understand the fact that a generator is only 30 amps, but what exactly does that mean for my daily driver? Will my battery slowly die if I exceed its capacity?

Is anyone using a generator with good results? If so, how many accessories are you running off it?

Gotta go... I'd better start shopping for an alternator.

~Troy

Shoptalkforums.com

What advantages to alternator vs generator?

What advantages to alternator vs generator?

==101 Basics - Generator to Alternator Conversion==

Re: ==101 Basics - Generator to Alternator Conversion==