alternator amp rating

[69yenko]

What do you recommend for alternator ratings. street/strip car. example, if you total amp draw is say 80 amps what would you use for alt. 100?. or do you use a % of cushion. are there other factors, say battery in trunk. or limited use items like NOS. Thanks Troy

[Six_Shooter]

There are many variables that will effect that.

I like to have the ability to have more available current than what I may ever draw at one time, however, this is not always possible, since sometimes my current draws can exceed 200 or 300 amps.

Anyway, in your case, how are you coming up with the 80 amp total draw?

If 80 amp is all you ever see, then a 100 amp alternator I would agree would be fine, but you may also have to consider, idle charge, and just where your idle RPM (of the alternator) will be. Putting under drive pulleys on will effect the idle charge, but may save the bearings on the top end.

[RRRAAAYYY2]

Six Shooter answered most of it.
Here is a link to a longer version answer:
http://www.svapowerproducts.com/html/how_big_of_an_alternator_do_i_.html .
If you have NOS expect to be in the 150amp range for your alternator. You can also call me at 1-888-214-7774 and I can help you figure it all out.

Six Shooter, If you want I can give you 240amps at 1650 rotor rpm, purgable to around 400amps. It is a big alternator though, but we have some in pickups. :)