What are the benefits of a saturn alternator swap?

[Captain D]

My alternator is failing and I have the option of getting a rebuilt stock alternator (92 GSX) that is 65 amps or do a Saturn alternator swap that can provide 130 amps after modifying. My question is what benefits do I get from an extra 65 amps?

 

[CrazyM]

Do you have a stereo in you're car? Do You're lights dim when the subs hit and high volume? This alternator will help out with that.

You can put a bigger load with having less strain on the alternator.

 

[knochgoon24]

If you run a 130 amp alternator, you're going to want to upgrade the wiring from the alternator to the fuse box. And possibly the 100A fuse that's in the box.

 

[Captain D]

I was looking at better engine performance. I have a walbro 255 fuel pump, will it be more efficient with less strain on the alternator? Will the fuel injections be more efficient?

 

[knochgoon24]

You'll get a more stable voltage. It will definitely help keep your tune stable.

 

[viprez586]

I was looking at better engine performance. I have a walbro 255 fuel pump, will it be more efficient with less strain on the alternator? Will the fuel injections be more efficient?

Yes, it wouldn't hurt to have a stronger alternator anyway.

 

[Captain D]

If you run a 130 amp alternator, you're going to want to upgrade the wiring from the alternator to the fuse box. And possibly the 100A fuse that's in the box.

Someone wrote a thread about using 4 gauge wire which sounds like a good idea to me. I've been doing a lot of research on the Saturn swap but the problem is that the information is spread out through numerous threads. It is difficult to get the complete picture. What amp fuse do you recommend?

 

[knochgoon24]

Do they make 150A? Your 100A will probably hold up unless you have a whole bunch of electronics in the car and there's a large draw on the alternator. I'd want to make sure all the main power cables were in good shape before I'd step up a size on the fuse.

 

[Blurred Talon]

No need to change the fuse, leave it be.

The Saturn alt puts out more volts at idle when rewired then a typical DSM alt. Plus it's cheaper and has a better regulator then the DSM.

From what I've been told Canadian DSMs had 130amp alts from the factory because of DRLs, dunno how true that is.

 

[Matrixhunter]

canadian 1g Turbo's came with 90amp stock alternator and all 2g's came with 75amp alts.