Is Alt. Upgrade Needed for Compressor?

[dznucks]

I am gathering parts for my bag installation and i am wondering if a higher amp alternator is needed to run the compressor that i will be adding?

I have a stock 3-wire externally regulated alternator now. i am not sure of the output but i am guessing in the 60-80 amp range. I am only going to be running one air compressor.

[fixit-p]

It's a good upgrade to do... your compressor will run on your existing system but would run better possibly longer if you upgraded to a 94 amp 12SI or if you wanted more amprage you could go with the CS130 both are bolt on replacements and just require little wiring mods. I you do upgrade I would recomend staying with the three wire as opposed the the one wire. With the three wire you could install an alt buss connection on your left fender well and pull your power for the compressor there as well as headlight relay power. That way you could run you remote voltage sense wire there and always have peak voltage for your accessories. The higher the voltage avail. to your compressor the fewer amps it will pull and therefore should run cooler / faster.

[dznucks]

I recently read the MAD write up on 1 and 3 wire. i want to stay with the 3 wire but step up to a higher amp alt.

How would i find the part number for such an alternator.

[fixit-p]

Originally Posted by dznucks

How would i find the part number for such an alternator.

Scroll down on the link to the APPLICATION DATA section and Mark gives us some applications. I went with the 12SI @ 3:00 Oclock for my 69 so I could re-route my wires away from the exhaust (eventually).
http://madelectrical.com/electricaltech/delcoremy.shtml

[dznucks]

Where is your alternator located? passenger/driver, high/mid/low.

[fixit-p]

Driver side above and outboard of the valve cover