Need to upgrade my alternater again, I think.

[Guest Anonymous]

I currently have the 65 amp alt. upgrade from TEP. Now with the car running my Autometer Voltmeter reads about 13 volts.

I have a big sound system in my car, so that draws serious power the few times I really turn it up. I have higher wattage headlights as well.

When I have my radio on and headlights on, my voltmeter reads just under 12 volts. I would think that it wouldnt be charging the battary if I had to have my wipers and fan on too.

I'll just get to the point, is there another upgrade that could get me more power? I read that the 318i alt. puts out 85 amps, will that fit?

[Guest Anonymous]

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

URL: http://www.geocities.com/karlkarlb/BMW.html

Here is a link to instructions:

318i Alternator Swap

[Guest Anonymous]

Where is your voltmeter connected, and how do you know if it's accurate? For a better test, attach a known good DVM directly to the battery posts, and check the charging voltage there. Also measure it from the alternator output post to the alternator frame. I suspect you have a voltage drop somewhere.

[Guest Anonymous]

I did do 318 alternator swap and it worked well, then I ruined the engine. So, now I'm about to do it again on the new engine and someone stated - "why don't you just get the stock alternator rebuilt with higher amperage?"

So, I posed that question to other 02ers and they concurred.

What are your thoughts group? Can the stock 45a alternator be rebuilt to 80 or 90a like the 318? If so, are there any modifications that need to be done to wiring to take into account the higher amperage?

Thanks.

Brett

[Guest Anonymous]

auto shop computer results said i was running 13.7, while volt

meter read around 12. double check before spending the cash.

dewar