Best 200 amp alternator for 1998 explorer conversion

[Bronco DLight]

Well, thanks to plumbdoctor in Golden and EFI guy's wiring harness magic, my 1974 has just about completed a swap for a beaut of a 1998 explorer V8 and a new WH single rear tank. I was planning to swap out for a 200 amp alternator myself when I get 'er back and was wondering what was recommended for an easy plug n' play swap. Thoughts?

Lastly, do I even NEED a 200 amp alternator? The "new" alternator on my original rebuilt 1974 302 just didn't put out enough power. Now with an updated serpentine alternator should even the stock solve the dimming lights and weak charge problem without the need for a 200 amp one?

 

[Bronco_69]

a relay in the light harness would most likely solve it. well that and the stock explorer alternator

 

[Viperwolf1]

Stock 130 amp explorer alternator is more juice than I have been able to use at one time. Except while winching.

 

[sykanr0ng]

The stock Bronco alternator is either 38 amp or the high output 42 amp.
The standard replacement part was 65 amp.

Run the 130 amp Explorer alternator before you spend money on a bigger one you may not need.

For dim headlights you might look at adding a headlight relay.

 

[ntsqd]

Second relays for the headlights (common mod on a LOT of older vehicles) and leave the 200A alt on someone else's shelf. Unless you're running a LOT of amp (stereo or ham) it's way more than you need and alt's hopped-up to that kind of output don't tend to be the most reliable parts.

 

[Bronco DLight]

Ok, thx

Ok. thanks, guys. I'd bet I'll be fine with the improvement of the stock '98 explorer alternator over the original '74. I'll add the relay if necessary. wouldn't think it would be necessary in the first place since the headlights are JW speaker LED lights and shouldn't draw much.

My audio system is not massive. I might also check the headlight wires.

 

[TN1776]

The headlight relay is necessary - it is simple and it doesn't run all that current through the stock headlight switch. You will see higher voltage at the bulbs. Then you can run higher wattage bulbs with no worries.

 

[bronconut73]

The headlight relay is necessary - it is simple and it doesn't run all that current through the stock headlight switch. You will see higher voltage at the bulbs. Then you can run higher wattage bulbs with no worries.

But he is running leds.....they pull very little power.
Make sure you have good grounds. That helped my eb's headlights tremendously.