hey fellas i feel like an idiot having to come on here and ask questions everytime i do somethingbut what the hell im a newb...

anyways i need to change my alternator i just put an 87-89 5.0 into my 64.5 but it still has the ole beat up alternator from the I6. everything on my new motor is polished so is chrome ok on the alternator and how many amps should i get? or should i just shut up i go buy an alternator because it doesnt matter?

P.S.
for those who care my exhaust is being done side shelby style and will be done monday...$175 a piece for mufflers...DAMN!

 

I have no clue about the alternator.

What did you decide for the exhaust? Post pics if you can! I would love to see it.

 

When you go to get the new or rebuilt alternator, specify at least a 100 amp alternator, because the 70 amp won't handle high powered stereo equipment, and you sould like a guy who likes his tunes.

 

Good advice from Soaring.

There is a way (for us wanna-be engineers ) if you like to do math. Using Watts law P=IxE. You can figure out the theoretical rms max draw on your system then spec an Alt that is between 10-15% higher and you've got as much as you'll need.

P=Watts (just happens to be the rating system for all your lamps)
I= Current or Amps
E= Voltage Remember you system will be running between 13.6V and 14.8V. I've always been real close using 14.4V when figuring.

You want to figure for RMS, or average drain, on a hot and rainy day (Full blast A/C, windshield wipers on) with the highbeams on and the tunes cranked up. Actually it's kind of fun to do (god i need a life )

Wattage is cumulative, so just add up each system that is on. You can always cheat and use the rated fuse capacity for amp draw on your windshield wipers and A/C system, or use an amp meter and figure it out.

Cant' wait to hear the reports on your exhaust. Any chance you could post some sound files? And of course, "we want pictures!"

I've got to stop reading posts from Clutch and Jinxed!!! Hey wait...come to think of it it's all Soarings fault. He started the dad-gummed picture drive!

 

Scott- i read the first few lines of your post and gave up...lmao

Soaring at least 100 watts...what i wanted to hear...i think my exhaust will sound louder than the radio

naulln--i decided on the side exhaust flowmaster cool tip...no H pipe because i want try without it for a while first and then put the H pipe to see for myself if there is a difference

 

and yes i have a digital camera and video camera so ill be sending plenty of pics when its done its just that my damn mechanic is taking for ****ing ever 2 months for this motor...im trying to get my car done in time for the rod run in temecula...found a great auto body too this weekend

 

2 months is what a mechanic quoted me for an engine build.

Heck, I'll do it myself, and learn something while I'm at it!