More powerful alternator?
05-17-2009, 01:20 AM
#1
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Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
More powerful alternator?
What's the most powerful alternator that can fit in the stock location on an '87 XJ? I remember hearing something out of the grand cherokees, but I can't remember what year/model exactly is compatible.
05-17-2009, 01:43 AM
#3
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Year: 1987
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Engine: 4.0L
05-17-2009, 04:37 PM
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: AMC242
Your 1987 has a Delco CS-130, and the later Nippondenso (found in the ZJ/WJ/...) will not work. The frame is considerably larger, and the Delco is internally regualted (where the ND is not.) The ND isn't a suitable upgrade until you're dealing with a 1991-2001XJ.
The Delco is commonly upgraded tho - and it's used often by kitbuilders and hotrodders. A good local shop should have no trouble taking you from the OEM 60-80A to somewhere around 120-130A or so. The shop I use (I talked him into doing mail-order a few years ago) will do a 140A fresh reman for you for $140 - click the link in my sig, scroll down, and click on the "San Jose Generator" link (Rod's a one-man band, you'll deal with him directly, and his only flaw is that he keeps banker's hours, California time. We're stuck out here in Hammerspace...)
Also, there are a few outfits that can go even farther - but it's going to hurt your wallet! Mean Green makes a unit that goes 200A at full output, there's Powermaster, and I think Nations Auto Electric has broken the "200A Barrier" with their Delcos - but they're spendy!
It should also be noted that upgrading the alternator requires a mains upgrade as well, if you're going to take full advantage of it. AMC tended to overbuild (which is why I'm still an AMC fanboi - twenty-odd years later...) but even they had their limits. You'll need larger wiring off of the battery and alternator, and you'll need to upgrade the fuse protection in the alternator output circuit - the rest of my site can help you there.
Upside? I consider the Delco unit to be superior to the ND (having dealt with both extensively in industrial equipment,) and if I were to engineer a replacement, I'd replace the ND with the Delco (although you'll get a persistent CEL/MIL from a "regulator fault" - since the regulator circuit won't be being used anymore.)
The Delco is commonly upgraded tho - and it's used often by kitbuilders and hotrodders. A good local shop should have no trouble taking you from the OEM 60-80A to somewhere around 120-130A or so. The shop I use (I talked him into doing mail-order a few years ago) will do a 140A fresh reman for you for $140 - click the link in my sig, scroll down, and click on the "San Jose Generator" link (Rod's a one-man band, you'll deal with him directly, and his only flaw is that he keeps banker's hours, California time. We're stuck out here in Hammerspace...)
Also, there are a few outfits that can go even farther - but it's going to hurt your wallet! Mean Green makes a unit that goes 200A at full output, there's Powermaster, and I think Nations Auto Electric has broken the "200A Barrier" with their Delcos - but they're spendy!
It should also be noted that upgrading the alternator requires a mains upgrade as well, if you're going to take full advantage of it. AMC tended to overbuild (which is why I'm still an AMC fanboi - twenty-odd years later...) but even they had their limits. You'll need larger wiring off of the battery and alternator, and you'll need to upgrade the fuse protection in the alternator output circuit - the rest of my site can help you there.
Upside? I consider the Delco unit to be superior to the ND (having dealt with both extensively in industrial equipment,) and if I were to engineer a replacement, I'd replace the ND with the Delco (although you'll get a persistent CEL/MIL from a "regulator fault" - since the regulator circuit won't be being used anymore.)
05-17-2009, 04:41 PM
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Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Depending on how much cash you want to spend.. highoutputalternator.com makes the best money can buy. I have also seen a 200a delco on a few sites rock-auto and such but do not know how reliable those are.
Do not forget that if you upgrade to something like that to upgrade your wiring as well.
Do not forget that if you upgrade to something like that to upgrade your wiring as well.
05-17-2009, 04:45 PM
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I-6
http://www.highoutputalternator.com/ sent me this quote:
Application : 01 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L
HO Part Number : 81419A
HO Rating : 200 Amp
Our suggested solution to your power needs:
1. Replacement 200 Amp Alternator Part #81419A
Price includes our 1 year hassle free warranty.
Suggested Retail $735 Our Price $649
http://www.highoutputalternator.com/PDF/Web PDFs - Denso.pdf
Our alternator will directly replace the stock alternator, and interface directly to your car’s computer. No need for brackets or messing with the wire harness. The only change you will make is the output from the alternator to the battery. We recommend 4 gauge or larger.
2. Freight DHL Ground US alternator approx. $21
DHL Second US alternator approx. $50
DHL Overnight US alternator approx. $65
DHL Canada alternator approx. $90
HO alternators are custom built to work with your vehicle’s computer and existing brackets. Please anticipate a three week delivery time due to our current backlog of orders.
Contact me if you have any questions.
XXXXX
XXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXX
(Just cuz I was curious 
)
Application : 01 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L
HO Part Number : 81419A
HO Rating : 200 Amp
Our suggested solution to your power needs:
1. Replacement 200 Amp Alternator Part #81419A
Price includes our 1 year hassle free warranty.
Suggested Retail $735 Our Price $649
http://www.highoutputalternator.com/PDF/Web PDFs - Denso.pdf
Our alternator will directly replace the stock alternator, and interface directly to your car’s computer. No need for brackets or messing with the wire harness. The only change you will make is the output from the alternator to the battery. We recommend 4 gauge or larger.
2. Freight DHL Ground US alternator approx. $21
DHL Second US alternator approx. $50
DHL Overnight US alternator approx. $65
DHL Canada alternator approx. $90
HO alternators are custom built to work with your vehicle’s computer and existing brackets. Please anticipate a three week delivery time due to our current backlog of orders.
Contact me if you have any questions.
XXXXX
XXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXX
)
05-17-2009, 04:52 PM
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Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Hmm. they raised their price, last time I got a quote it was like 4xx$ Even their 125A is awesome, if I am not mistaken max output is just above idle.
Here is another site, Zena alternators, http://www.zena.net/htdocs/alternators/alt_inf.shtml
I like HO better, but zena is still top quality
I know the Mean Green alternators are bolt in as well.
Here is another site, Zena alternators, http://www.zena.net/htdocs/alternators/alt_inf.shtml
I like HO better, but zena is still top quality
I know the Mean Green alternators are bolt in as well.
Last edited by Metmknice; 05-17-2009 at 04:54 PM.
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05-17-2009, 04:54 PM
#8
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I-6
05-18-2009, 12:55 AM
#9
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Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Alright thanks guys. I think I just need to work on power management is all... no running all 4 (soon to be six) lights in front (the two main plus two aftermarket) and heater at full power....sigh.
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