I agree with Thomas,
The roadster wiring harness was adequate for the stock alternator, rated at
30 amps, closer to 24 amps real output.
Take into account the 8 fuse late model is adequate, earlier models are
even less adequate.
Without perfoming a few critical mods, just bolting in a 45+ amp alternator
and a couple wires could be dangerous to your wiring. It also could shut
the car suddenly at night when you least expect it.
These mods should involve multiple fusible links and/or breakers, fatter
wires in some places, better grounds, and potential bypass headlight lines
for safety (if critical circuits are controlled by a fusible link).
Age and increased load makes many connectors inadequate for the current,
cleaning may work in the short term, but replacement with gold will stay
dependable in the long run.
thorn.
Thomas Walter wrote:
>
> Kevin,
>
> Next week we will be discussing how to replace the wiring harness. ;-(
>
> Seriously, just "bolting in" a large current alternator without up
> grading the harness, and bypassing the stock ammeter is asking for
> a disaster.
>
> Everything may work "just fine" for years. If you get a loose/dirty
> connection then it is a matter of time before you have a nasty
> problem.
>
> Worst I have seen was a roadster that decided to melt it's harness,
> and caught the car on fire. The rear end and engine block were the
> only things not melted!
>
> Fusible links, additional wiring from the batter to alternator,
> beefy ground connections, and lots of common sense will prevent
> some major headaches down the road.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Tom
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