Alternator / Generator Output

Panda Learner Dubber

4 posts · joined Jul 2008 · 27 Jul 2008, 9:04 am

#660294

Hi All,

I am curious how much current the factory alternator puts out, have you guys with big Doof Doof's had to upgrade your alternator to give you enough power to run your systems?

Panda

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 27 Jul 2008, 2:28 pm

#660344

the standard VW Alternator is 50 Amps

You can get 75 amp alternators which are 50 amp alternator cases with 75 amp wiring
I've been told that they over heat easily and the failure rate is HIGH if the current used is Excessive..

so, its better to use the standard alternator..

As I'm an oldie I don't see why You need to spend big dollars on a High Output amplifier..
unless you want to go deaf earlier.. lol

Lee

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 27 Jul 2008, 2:31 pm

#660346

I have spoken to people [much younger than I] that ran big Amplifiers in VWs..

they also found that using the wipers and brakes when the amplifier was being used would overload the system..

cheers

LEE

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Panda Learner Dubber

4 posts · joined Jul 2008 · 28 Jul 2008, 6:49 pm

#660545

68AutoBug wrote:the standard VW Alternator is 50 Amps

You can get 75 amp alternators which are 50 amp alternator cases with 75 amp wiring
I've been told that they over heat easily and the failure rate is HIGH if the current used is Excessive..

so, its better to use the standard alternator..

As I'm an oldie I don't see why You need to spend big dollars on a High Output amplifier..
unless you want to go deaf earlier.. lol

Lee

50 amps at 12 Volts is 600 Watts - that's a moderate system, so the standard alternator should be fine I guess - unless it's night time, or it's raining, or you have to use the brakes!

I don't want have a massive system, just something that sounds nice. Thanks for the advice.

Panda

barls Administrator Causer of Chaos and Mayhem

9,473 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 28 Jul 2008, 7:03 pm

#660548

ok i run the 55 amp alternator in chaos, never had a problem with overdraw of current. i run a head unit, speakers, fan forced heater, decent lights and my nav man.

“We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free.” Bill Hicks
the chaos project - click me

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 28 Jul 2008, 8:00 pm

#660567

Hi Panda

Yes, You can get a great sounding system without going deaf....

A 300 watt system would be OK..
even higher.. as its when the volume is turned up HIGH
that the Power is consumed...

cheers

LEE

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- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 28 Jul 2008, 11:19 pm

#660616

if ur electrical system is all up to scratch it will cream it in

my bugs electrics is what u is what u would call drastically loaded up
i have the original bosch 50amp alt and a 550CCA battery and 1.5F cap

i have no charge problems even with a 600w amp, 300w amp, remote central locking/boot release, power windows, extra gauges and 110/90w H4 headlights

i dont even need the cap but its there for if i really crank the stereo up with the lights on

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 29 Jul 2008, 12:28 am

#660620

Joel wrote:if ur electrical system is all up to scratch it will cream it in

my bugs electrics is what u is what u would call drastically loaded up
i have the original bosch 50amp alt and a 550CCA battery and 1.5F cap

i have no charge problems even with a 600w amp, 300w amp, remote central locking/boot release, power windows, extra gauges and 110/90w H4 headlights

i dont even need the cap but its there for if i really crank the stereo up with the lights on

thats one large capacitor Joel..1.5 farads

You don't need the 110/90 watt H4 bulbs as the New
Xenon Plus 50 bulbs 12v 60/55w but 50% brighter on Low beam and 30% brighter on High beam..
and they are legal... lol

what central locking did you use?
the standard generic type?

I have a remote boot release but it weighs too much to justify... out of an old Valiant or Ford..

Lee

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 29 Jul 2008, 10:37 pm

#660803

yeah just a generic one
about 10 years ago i built my own system out of commodore calais solenoids and made a control module to run it cos the only off the shelf kits back then were $400
took me awhile to get it to work properly then the generic ones came out dirt cheap so i bit the bullet
and the alarm i have has provisions for a remote boot release so i got a generic solenoid for it to
worked well till i swerved to miss a pot hole and my tool box smashed it

the cap is more to keep my amps powered at sound offs
when the stereo is run at full capacity
under normal use its not even needed

and the headlights are about 8 years old back b4 these new flashy blue ones came out
im just waiting for them to blow b4 i replace them
semi sealed lights like i run are a pain to change the bulbs on