Mark, the original alternator puts out 35amp and is OK for a pair of 100w driving light globes in addition to standard other electrics, typically used on a road car. However, when used all night, rally cars suck a fair bit more power driving all lights plus additional interior instrumentation and equipt. On cold night time events, assume heavy use of wipers, washers, heater, demister, intercom, trip meter, compass, four lights continuously on high beam (400Watts) plus high wattage reversing light, map reading during stage breaks without engine running to recharge, trouble lights in engine bay and boot at service stops, cabin light, almost contant use of brake lights, etc. If you add it all up its quite a load. This use sucks out battery power faster than the 35Amp alternator can put it back, and the battery will eventually go flat if it has a standard storage capacity. 55/85 amp alternators used to be the go.
Now you can buy 100amp plus alternators to keep really small batteries fully charged. However these suckers are really heavy and pull more power off the engine. You need to get the balance between bigger battery (more storage, full voltage supply), slightly larger alternator (keep up with demand and faster recharge), without adding too much weight or diverting too much engine power to keeping the battery charged.. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Overend" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, September 05, 2005 2:39 PM Subject: Rally light's/ Alternator > G'day, > Can anyone tell me if i will have to upgrade my altenator on my 180B when i put rally lights on. I'm only putting two lights at this stage but should i get a better alternator. > > Cheers Mark O > > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: 2/09/2005 > > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: 2/09/2005 > -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: 2/09/2005 --membersozdat------------------------------------------------------- OZDAT Mailing List Please Note:- Send (un)subscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send submissions to [email protected] No unauthorised redistribution of this email http://www.ozdat.com/ozdatonline/index.htm http://www.ozdat.com/ozdatonline/listindex.html http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: 2/09/2005
