Updating Electrical System & IDing Alternator in 70 RR ..Newbie Question

[soundhd]

Just bought a 70 RR (383; Auto: A/C; PS; PB; Rally dash...first Mopar) Plan on installing an updated audio system (nothing "radical"..a secret audio system from Custom Auto Sound and installing 4 speakers in the cabin area..no big sub-woofers, etc...). Probably will need to replace the current alternator with one with a larger output...probably 100 amps. Down the road plans are to add a Gen 2 Hemi and aftermarket radiator with electric fan(s)..but that is 3-4 years away..but want to setup the electrical system so it is ready for it if/when the time comes for the engine upgrade.
My questions:
1. How to tell what size the current alternator is?
2. Does anything else need to be changed when
adding the larger alternator?
3. Can the system be converted to a single wire
alternator system (regulator inside the
alternator) and if so what's involved in that?

Thanks

 

[Grabinov911]

Try a read through this for starters. These cars have some demons (ammeter) that are worth dealing with first so you don't up with your project on fire. Most of the electrical stuff you are talking about is pretty straightforward. I have a lot of conversion parts from Bouchillon Performance. Google them - but put away your credit card first!

http://www.allpar.com/history/mopar/electrical.html

Enjoy - I have nearly the same car and have been having a pretty good time tearing into it.

 

[eagleone1983]

1. How to tell what size the current alternator is?

Google the part number and you should get your answer. If it's factory I believe they were around 60 amps

2. Does anything else need to be changed when
adding the larger alternator?

Yes, as Grab pointed out read that article and there is also some good info at www.madelectrical.com

3. Can the system be converted to a single wire
alternator system (regulator inside the
alternator) and if so what's involved in that?

Yes, the newer alternators have a different plug style then our old mopars, this plug can be bought or taken from a newer denso equipped car. You'll then have to remove your voltage regulator and bypass the wiring this is all explained on the mad website, I believe.

 

[Propwash]

To add, you can also run a one wire internally regulated alt, like the Tuff or Powermaster. Run a single 6/8 GA. (depending on Amp/Length) to the + post on the battery or + on the starter relay. Doing so would require a more than a heavily recommended modification to your wiring to include Bypass at the ammeter, fusible link and bulkhead connector, if your bumping above the 65-70Amp range. They're self exciting, internally regulated and do not require any other wires and/or connections.

 

[TheSwede]

Hi, this is how I solved it:
I bought this alternator: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-812109/overview/
It is a one wire with internal volage regulator despite the regulator sits on the back of the alternator...

Removed the original voltage regulator and wires to it.

Bypass the amp meter. (or transform it to a voltmeter like Propwash did, my next project)

Ran a long single 4 GA wire via the + on the starter relay and then to the + post on the battery with a large 40 A fuse inline just before the battery.

Car is charging 13.2 volts at idle (have not tested it at cruise speed yet)

My alternator is just a 60A but this solution will work with a 100A with no problems.