150 amp alternator upgrade

[stephenkirsh]

I was kind of wondering that too... From what I've read, nothing. Anyone know more about electricity than me? My humorously limited knowledge tells me that amps are more like gallons of fuel in the tank, whereas volts are likened to the octane?

Plus, I figure if it was stock for the 05' 325, it probably is just fine.


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A 325 huh? I can't imagine why that would be different. I wonder if that's for the SULEV 325.

[ryankokesh]

A 325 huh? I can't imagine why that would be different. I wonder if that's for the SULEV 325.

Yeah, I'm not sure. Seems like a fairly logical explanation though. Well, not exactly logical, but at least an explanation.

I'm a couple hundred miles in and so far so good.


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[stephenkirsh]

I had a SULEV and had some electrical issues at one point. Mechanics said the SULEV alternator was beefier than the regular cars to run the extra emissions stuff. That's my best guess.

[Hornung418]

I need to upgrade the alternator in my car...the stock one is not only heavy (12lbs) but my volt meter sits just under 12V. so everytime I turn up the radio or use my blinkers, the gauge needles bounce up and down. Quite comical.

There is an alternative option from the Nissan Quest that fits right in there and lowers the weight significantly.

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

[alexandre]

I need to upgrade the alternator in my car...the stock one is not only heavy (12lbs) but my volt meter sits just under 12V. so everytime I turn up the radio or use my blinkers, the gauge needles bounce up and down. Quite comical.

There is an alternative option from the Nissan Quest that fits right in there and lowers the weight significantly.

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

You'd still be fixing your Porsche with Nissan Quest parts...

[slater]

Hardest part is wiggling the old one out. I've done it a few times, but taking my time it took a solid half hour.


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when i removed mine for the first time recently to do the OFHG, i was gearing up for the 'pain' of alternator removal/install. it was super easy - i wiggled for 1min, used a flat pry-bar for some impact leverage, and it came out in under 30 seconds. install was just as easy, no issues with lining up bolts...

great deal on that alternator though - $120 for a new one is fantastic!

the 120A has about 1440W of power available for the entire car.
the 150A has about 1800W of power available.

I wonder what the stock car requires in terms of Amperage.

I had a SULEV and had some electrical issues at one point. Mechanics said the SULEV alternator was beefier than the regular cars to run the extra emissions stuff. That's my best guess.

this sounds entirely possible. i would assume there should be no ill-effects since you're not increasing the voltage.

i wonder what the price difference is between 120A and 150A units?

peter

[cakM3]

... that a 150 amp (vs the 120 in the zhp) from an '05 325i fits perfectly if you have the oval connector. They're around $120 at autozone too, so significantly less.

Part number 1108
http://www.autozone.com/external-eng...8_100967_3001/

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I think I will get one of these and pop it into my ZHP....who knows? It might solve my alternator whine for good

[cakM3]

I'm curious to know how many ZHP owners out there have the D-shaped connector on their alternators? Then when you look at your connectors, do all of you have only one wire attached to the D-shaped connector?

I recently looked at mine and noticed that there was only one wire attached to my D-shaped connector. Chad then checked his ZHP and noted the same configuration, so I was left wondering....

[derbo]

this sounds entirely possible. i would assume there should be no ill-effects since you're not increasing the voltage.



peter

Yes but be careful. The alternator has a higher capacity for amperage. With only a 30A difference in change, I don't believe there is any issue with this. If the alternator was changed to a 300A, there would definitely concern if the power and ground straps were capable of delivering that much power. In this scenario, I don't believe a 150A will have any danger in relation to wiring.

[ryankokesh]

Yes but be careful. The alternator has a higher capacity for amperage. With only a 30A difference in change, I don't believe there is any issue with this. If the alternator was changed to a 300A, there would definitely concern if the power and ground straps were capable of delivering that much power. In this scenario, I don't believe a 150A will have any danger in relation to wiring.

I don't think they changed the wiring harnesses for the '05 325... Been meaning to look that up though.


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