Powermaster Alternator – worth the install

[cudajames]

I scored a powermaster 140/80a max/idle alternator. It is new in the box and never used. According to Summit this is basically a factory replacement. Has anybody ever used one of these in their car? Is it worth the effort to install? And will it burn out my old wiring?

Rebuilt 273 with mild cam, no AC and everything else is currently original.
The current alternator is old, maybe original. But isn’t broken

If I do not use I attempt to sell

thanks

 

[charger426]

I would always recommend upgrading your wiring when upping to a higher output alternator or you run the risk of melting your car to the ground. I'm looking at buying an higher output alternator so let me know if you decide to sell the one you have.

 

[73Duster6]

I bought a 80a powermaster alt almost 20 years and its been in 2 different cars my 69 dart had it first (car now gone) and its in my 73 duster right now and still working fine. In the Dart the only rewiring I did was upgrade to the newer voltage reg. With the Duster I have done the MADD amp meter bypass.

 

[BillGrissom]

If you run a thick 4 awg wire from alternator out to BATT+, any large current will flow straight to the battery, so nothing should change for the other wiring. It will still see just battery voltage, as always. Your ammeter will no longer work. Mine still works since I used a diode shunt bypass, but only a few readers here would be competent to follow that.

 

[cudajim]

If you run a thick 4 awg wire from alternator out to BATT+, any large current will flow straight to the battery, so nothing should change for the other wiring. It will still see just battery voltage, as always. Your ammeter will no longer work. Mine still works since I used a diode shunt bypass, but only a few readers here would be competent to follow that.

Bill, I'd like to know about the shunt bypass, can you pm me or post a link?

 

[Mopar Tim]

that bypass is a good idea! could melt the bulkhead connector. Melted mine.