Alternator choice?

cordoba13 · 07-09-2025, 11:21 AM

napa full size Delco 1 wire 60 amp ? SW something, only about $60

goinbroke2 · 07-09-2025, 03:43 PM

Checking them out now. I'll get a 100+ amp one just so I won't have to worry between rounds!

Thanks, for the info guys!

Paul Precht · 07-09-2025, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goinbroke2

Checking them out now. I'll get a 100+ amp one just so I won't have to worry between rounds!

Thanks, for the info guys!

I don't run an MSD in my race car which I guess is a big draw in amperage but I run a stock 1963 30 amp alternator in my race car with a small pulley on the damper and never have to charge between rounds and I run the electric water pump and fan between rounds to cool sometimes.

Rory McNeil · 07-10-2025, 12:12 AM

Like Paul, I have found the factory equipment alternator more than adequate. On my 85 Mustang Stocker, as well as my 78 Fairmont bracket car, I used the factory alternator and external voltage regulator, Ford offered them in several different output ratings, I think the alternator that has been in my Fairmont for almost 40 years, is less than 50 amps. That said, I am also using a full sized conventional battery, with 500-600 CCA. My cars have much of the typical drag car stuff, like an electric water pump, electric fan, electric fuel pump (s), and a MSD ignition, although I run 6 series boxes, I believe the 7 series boxes take a fair bit more current to operate. Over the years, I have found that as long as I had the battery fully charged before the race weekend, with the full size battery and alternator, I can usually go thru a 2 or 3 day race weekend without having to fire up the generator and charging the battery between rounds. About the only time that I charge the battery, is if I am in a "hot lap" situation during later rounds, especially on a hot day, so that I have to run the fan and water pump a lot. Obviously, if your alternator is non functional, that wouldn`t work.

Eman · 07-10-2025, 11:46 AM

How much amperage do you think you need? What gauge wire are you running from the alternator that can carry the amperage?

cad · 07-10-2025, 12:37 PM

Ive spoken with Tuff Stuff Performance. Their CS130 alternator is exactly the same one that is re-sold by hop. They can be purchased from summit. I have had both, and currently running the Tuff Stuff branded alternator. 7500rpm and it puts out 14.1v at 1000 rpm...
I do use hop's starter which is fantastic.

CMcAllister · 07-10-2025, 08:59 PM

Nice stuff? Paynes

Budget? Delcotron with a one wire kit. You can carry parts for it - diode trio and rectifier - and fix it at the track if it breaks.

07-09-2025, 11:21 AM	#1
cordoba13 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: westerly RI Posts: 14 Likes: 1 Liked 9 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Alternator choice? napa full size Delco 1 wire 60 amp ? SW something, only about $60

07-09-2025, 03:43 PM	#2
goinbroke2 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NS CANADA Posts: 892 Likes: 1,624 Liked 392 Times in 153 Posts	Re: Alternator choice? Checking them out now. I'll get a 100+ amp one just so I won't have to worry between rounds! Thanks, for the info guys! __________________ Jim Miller 103 U/SA

07-10-2025, 12:12 AM	#4
Rory McNeil VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: from Vancouver BC Canada, now in Nova Scotia Posts: 1,311 Likes: 317 Liked 1,104 Times in 302 Posts	Re: Alternator choice? Like Paul, I have found the factory equipment alternator more than adequate. On my 85 Mustang Stocker, as well as my 78 Fairmont bracket car, I used the factory alternator and external voltage regulator, Ford offered them in several different output ratings, I think the alternator that has been in my Fairmont for almost 40 years, is less than 50 amps. That said, I am also using a full sized conventional battery, with 500-600 CCA. My cars have much of the typical drag car stuff, like an electric water pump, electric fan, electric fuel pump (s), and a MSD ignition, although I run 6 series boxes, I believe the 7 series boxes take a fair bit more current to operate. Over the years, I have found that as long as I had the battery fully charged before the race weekend, with the full size battery and alternator, I can usually go thru a 2 or 3 day race weekend without having to fire up the generator and charging the battery between rounds. About the only time that I charge the battery, is if I am in a "hot lap" situation during later rounds, especially on a hot day, so that I have to run the fan and water pump a lot. Obviously, if your alternator is non functional, that wouldn`t work. __________________ NHRA 6390 STK M/S 85 Mustang

07-10-2025, 11:46 AM	#5
Eman Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: E TN Posts: 473 Likes: 16 Liked 133 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Alternator choice? How much amperage do you think you need? What gauge wire are you running from the alternator that can carry the amperage?

07-10-2025, 12:37 PM	#6
cad Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 702 Likes: 202 Liked 91 Times in 51 Posts	Re: Alternator choice? Ive spoken with Tuff Stuff Performance. Their CS130 alternator is exactly the same one that is re-sold by hop. They can be purchased from summit. I have had both, and currently running the Tuff Stuff branded alternator. 7500rpm and it puts out 14.1v at 1000 rpm... I do use hop's starter which is fantastic. Last edited by cad; 07-10-2025 at 12:52 PM.

07-10-2025, 08:59 PM	#7
CMcAllister Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fulton County, PA Posts: 614 Likes: 16 Liked 920 Times in 259 Posts	Re: Alternator choice? Nice stuff? Paynes Budget? Delcotron with a one wire kit. You can carry parts for it - diode trio and rectifier - and fix it at the track if it breaks.