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Alternator Conversion For 72' Nova HELP!

2K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  troll57 
#1 ·
I just baught this 72' Nova all origional and i am going to put a stereo system in it but the origional Alternator will not support the amp/subs. I was wondering if any one had done this or knows how? I NEED HELP! <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
 
#2 ·
My first question is do you really need one? I've got some bass thumping subs in my old car with the stock alterator, and no problems. It's amazing how much a good new big battery will help.

Second question- how may watts RMS does your amp(s) put out???

Watts(RMS)/12 volts(actualy more like 14.7volts)= amps

500W RMS/14.7=34 amps
1000W RMS/14.7=68 amps
If I remember right the stock one should be about 70 amps? not too sure though. Unless you have your amps playing at max for extended periods of time you shouldn't need a new alternator. unless your putting in a very big system. In that case. make sure you know what you are doing so you don't make costly mistakes. There is alot to making a stereo system sound realy good.


to put a new one is, very simple. your alternator should be a 3 wire type. two should be together in a plug, the other is a single wire with a ring treminal that fits over a post on the back.

All you have to do is buy a new alternator rated at higher amps, that is a 3 wire(if your's is a 3 wire) and it just bolts in- pretty simple
a good place to look is

<a href="http://www.summitracing.com" target="_blank">www.summitracing.com</a>

This is a good time to replace old belts too! :D

[ March 23, 2002: Message edited by: BadBowTie ]

[ March 23, 2002: Message edited by: BadBowTie ]</p>
 
#3 ·
If all you're doing is upgrading to a higher output alternator just get one from the local auto parts store. They should offer a few diff. options (55A,70A,100A,etc.). The regulator only allows the alternator to output what the system needs at any given time. Also notice RMS Watts was mentioned. A lot of audio components are rated either peak, or peak to peak power ratings. These are not the same as RMS. I forget the calculation at the moment but RMS is much lower than peak or peak to peak ratings. RMS is what you need to know for your calculations.

[ March 24, 2002: Message edited by: dmorris1200 ]</p>
 
#4 ·
Yo clawdog... unless you're running a nuclear system the stocker should be adequate. I've run some pretty pumping systems, and never had a problem. If you're worried, pick up a simple replacement at parts store, 100 amp or better. I bought a kit to convert my old one to 130 amp through jc whitney like 20 years ago and it worked great, i don't know that i really needed it though. what system you installing? just for listening, annoying neighbors? or comp? I have since chilled out and only put enough sound in to be pleasant, deck and 2 or 4 with simple mono sub, cheap and easy, no x-overs, eq's or anything, getting lazy I guess. have a good one
 
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