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Old 3 Weeks Ago   #7
ZBrink
 
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Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: Fairfax, VA and Springfield, IL
Posts: 41
Default Re: Alternative Higher Amp Alternator (140 amp)

Quote:
Originally Posted by secondchance View Post
Zack,

Higher amp alternator does not require an extensive rewiring. All that's needed is beefing up from alternator to the battery by adding a 8 ga. wire. also, Marc recomended beefing up and additing an extra wiring from the battery (not the actual battery but the distribution block (?) next to the battery to HVAC fan module. Latter allows HVAC fan to run a little faster resulting in air speed increase at the vent.
I am running a custom 200 amp "hair pin" alternator (Nippon Denso internal in CNC housing machined to mimick CS144) and overall C4 ZR-1 is a happier car.
Prior to this, when I had my alternator rebuilt locally, rebuild shop told me they can be rebuilt to 140 amp and I took that option. I think it cost me $65. This was about 6-7 years ago, I think...
https://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread...ght=alternator
I found all of my factory wiring looms under the hood to be in good condition, still factory sealed, etc. I decided it wasn't worth it to cut all of them open in order to run the higher gauge wire to the battery and to beef up the fusible links, especially considering I didn't need 200 amps.

My original plan was to build out my OEM alternator to 200 amps myself at home. Once I realized I didn't need 200 amps, I looked at building it out to 140 but with the increased cost on the consumer market for parts, it was only about $25 more to just buy a new 140 amp alternator.
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1990 ZR-1 #299, Bright Red/Red
1998 Z51 Fastback Coupe, A4, Torch Red/Oak
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