LED Headlights for our Zs

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by Schrade

If the amp draw on the alternator is less (whatever the difference is, between a car equipped with LED headlamps vs. standard lamps), then should the CS 144 Z alternator be replaced, with a LOWER amp output alternator?

Question is, when the ECM decides that the 'clutch mechanism', in the alternator, that has to engage, and become more of a load on the motor, ... ?

The alternator is ALWAYS spinning...

How DOES the integral voltage regulator work, I guess, is the question???

The voltage regulator is internal to the alternator and is autonomous. When there is low demand from system (Battery >12.2v ?) the field winding is left at 0V and the alternator free wheels. i.e. no load.
With no load it's just another idler pulley.

The big win on moving to low current draw by switching to LED everywhere is the available capacity to run "more stuff" in the cabin.