65amp to a 80amp alternator
 

Yes its another alternator thread. I have searched but can't find the info I was looking for. 65amp alternator just ain't cutting it, by the time you turn the lights on, AC on, radio on, I have less than 13 volts at the battery. Is it possable to put a 80amp alt from a early W124 without having to re-wire anything? Im just looking for a plug and play type thing. I know I could put in a 115amp but that requires to mess with the wiring, and i'd rather keep it stock. Thanks in advance

From a W124, no. From a Saab, yes.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/169181-al129x-bosch-reman-alts-available-%24100-fits-126-drop.html

What mess of wiring? Its a single wire from the alternator to the starter pole.

Why wouldn't a W124 alt work if I swaped the pulleys? Are the connections different form the original W123 plug?

I'd like to go with a Saab alt but I'd have to change all the little spade connectors to a post type connector. I'd rather keep it stock.

Early 124 is 65amp.

13v out of the alt with a load at idle, pretty decent really.

well there are W124 80amps alts im pretty sure, the 260E had one I think. Anyone know what the plug on the back looks like?

So you are willing to risk melting the harness with 20% more amperage from a non-stock alternator but not willing to change 2 wire ends and add an 18" jumper wire.

I see. :rolleyes:

no, of course not. Didn't know that could happen. Would a 80 amp alt really melt my original connector, are my stock wires to small?

Yes they are. Increase in amperage or voltage requires larger guage wires.

Does a W124 80amp alt have the spade connectors like the W123 alt? Yes I know I'll have to upgrade the wires to a bigger diameter.

I do not think so. The 80 and higher have the posttype connectors from what I have seen.

the alternator from the 603 will not bolt up to the block on a 617... you need to get the 80A alt either from a saab, or from a similar year 280 E / SL / SE...

Am I missing something, is your battery going dead? Your alternator might not produce all the power you need at low speed. Theres a balance to be struck in the design so the alt doesn't eat itself at low speed but still works reasonably at high speed.

I am doing the 80 amp (saab) upgrade as soon as my new adjustment bolt comes in.....will I be ok just swapping the alternator->to->terminal block wire with a piece of 4 gauge and pole connectors? Or does other wiring need to be replaced? It looks like the rest of it is much heavier and up to the task....

Its just that one piece right? Thats an easy swap...


The 65A alt is ridiculous, last night with my headlights, defroster, wipers and radio, I was getting about 12.4 volts according to my gauge......it is so time to upgrade...my afterglow system for the glowplugs drops the system voltage to 10V for the first 3 mins of driving, especially if I have the lights and stuff on. That can't be good for the battery....

the battery did go dead once when I was in traffic with the AC on high, headlights and fogs on, and the radio going. Also I notice that when I have the AC on high the blower blows harder when I touch the gas pedal.