Voltage regualtor upgrade???
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 41
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From: Memphis
Voltage regualtor upgrade???
I own a 1991 F150 4.9L 4x4 w/air with an electrical question.
I'm currently upgrading to an 170 amp alternator but am curious to any other upgrades I'll need to go with it. This is due to stereo equiptment. Ground and power wire will be at least 2 awg, possibly 1/0 with grounds to the block as well as the chasis.
I presume there may be a voltage regulator upgrade??? If so where should I purchase it and what exactly should I get. Anything else? I've spend on large part of 10 years installing stereo equiptment but never got under the hood, I've left this up to the mechanics. I want to attempt to do this myself and appreciate any help.
I'm currently upgrading to an 170 amp alternator but am curious to any other upgrades I'll need to go with it. This is due to stereo equiptment. Ground and power wire will be at least 2 awg, possibly 1/0 with grounds to the block as well as the chasis.
I presume there may be a voltage regulator upgrade??? If so where should I purchase it and what exactly should I get. Anything else? I've spend on large part of 10 years installing stereo equiptment but never got under the hood, I've left this up to the mechanics. I want to attempt to do this myself and appreciate any help.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1
From: Central Kali
Voltage regualtor upgrade???
Do you drive down my street making thumping noises? 
I don't believe that a regulator change is necessary. The purpose of the regulator is to keep the alternator voltage to around 14 volts. The amount of current available is determined by the alternator only.
I have a question for you. What kind of alternator did you get? 170 amps at 14 volts equals 2380 watts. That's like having 24 100 watt lamps packed in the alternator case. Did the manufacturer give any specs as to how long you can pull 170 amps out before it needs a cool down period?
I don't believe that a regulator change is necessary. The purpose of the regulator is to keep the alternator voltage to around 14 volts. The amount of current available is determined by the alternator only.
I have a question for you. What kind of alternator did you get? 170 amps at 14 volts equals 2380 watts. That's like having 24 100 watt lamps packed in the alternator case. Did the manufacturer give any specs as to how long you can pull 170 amps out before it needs a cool down period?
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 260
Likes: 2
From: Apache, OK
Voltage regualtor upgrade???
I thought most late model alternators had built in regulators. I don’t know when they started doing that so maybe yours is separate. BUT – I have a question for the electrical experts.
I have a ’73 F100 and it is the cheapie version – no AC, no cigarette lighter, and only an AM radio. It also has only a 38 amp alternator with an external regulator on the fender well. Does anyone know if I can simply bolt on a later model with built in regulator? I have added some sound equipment, air conditioning, and a “power port” (seems like no one calls it a cigarette lighter anymore), plus I am fixing to replace the radiator fan with a Hayden dual electric fan system. I need more juice. With everything running, the AC blower really slows down when idling in traffic.
Is there a simple bolt-on change that will give me 80 – 100 amp system?
I have a ’73 F100 and it is the cheapie version – no AC, no cigarette lighter, and only an AM radio. It also has only a 38 amp alternator with an external regulator on the fender well. Does anyone know if I can simply bolt on a later model with built in regulator? I have added some sound equipment, air conditioning, and a “power port” (seems like no one calls it a cigarette lighter anymore), plus I am fixing to replace the radiator fan with a Hayden dual electric fan system. I need more juice. With everything running, the AC blower really slows down when idling in traffic.
Is there a simple bolt-on change that will give me 80 – 100 amp system?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1
From: Central Kali
Voltage regualtor upgrade???
I picked up a 90? amp from a mid 70's mustang that still used the external regulator. You can also buy a kit to increase your alt to 100 amps for about $36. They have a web site will try to remember it.
