Alternator upgrade - anybody done this?

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VolvoNuts85
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Joined: 02 Aug 2012 11:40 pm

Alternator upgrade - anybody done this?

Post by VolvoNuts85 » 09 Feb 2014 02:25 am

Has anyone managed to do an alternator upgrade from the standard 55 Amp or 60 Amp (A483?) alternator to something bigger. I want to fit a bigger alternator, nothing enormous, just bigger than standard, either 70, 75 or 80 Amp - I have a aftermarket stereo and alarm system fitted and am fed up of these flattening the battery. Does anybody know if the 70Amp unit out of the Volvo 440 1.7 fits or have any other practical experience of upgrading the alternator on their 340 1.7?

Ride_on
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Joined: 26 May 2009 05:34 pm
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland

Re: Alternator upgrade - anybody done this?

Post by Ride_on » 09 Feb 2014 03:28 am

I'm not sure on your setup but I really doubt a bigger alternator will help you. Sounds like you need a bigger battery.

A small alternator will cause the voltage to drop below 14v if you draw more than 800w RMS or so, and it maybe damaged, your amp will need a lot of cooling if you use this much, but most silly amps are spec'd as peak, which is meaningless.

If you run the amp on the battery only, a bigger alternator will not help, it will not charge the battery any faster when you put the engine on.

Its possible you have slow charging if you have corroded contacts or something.
1980 345 DL_______1987 360 GLE (project car restored to GLT spec and B230FT'd)
1984 360 GLT______1987 360 GLT
1983 360 GLS______1989 360 GLE
1985 340 GL_______1986 340 1.4
1985 360 GLS______1995 940 SE 2.3 Turbo Estate (daily)
1987 340 GL 1.7

classicswede
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Re: Alternator upgrade - anybody done this?

Post by classicswede » 09 Feb 2014 07:21 pm

You can fit any of the 440 alternators, I upgraded mine many years ago to a 70amp iirc from a 460

By the sound of it either your battery is dead or you have a drainage problem.

My brother has a big audio setup in his 240 and that is fitted with a high output alternator and twin batteries to keep the lights on when the sounds are on!
Dai

Please email me directly on dai@classicswede.co.uk

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Logan360
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Joined: 23 Jun 2012 08:51 am

Re: Alternator upgrade - anybody done this?

Post by Logan360 » 24 Mar 2014 09:21 am

I will be going to a 7/900 alternator.
Own:
86 360GLT
97 S90
92 960S, Royal
01 Subaru Lancaster 6
96 Volvo 854R

Owned
E90 320 M-sport wagon
S60T -Mazda Familia
850lpt -AU Falcon
855T5 -91, 95, 97 960
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