Just a question coming from a FC owner. I know alot of people in their 2nd gens put in FD alts into their cars. Why do people want more amps/volts in their car? How much do amps does an 3rd gen alternator flow through? If I don't even have a radio, would I need this?

 

The 1994 FD alternator is rated at 100 amps maximum at 12 volts output. Don't know whether that is a continuous or peak rating. Large amounts of current are drawn by aftermarket car audio systems, so that might be one motive for upgrading. In any case, when any alternator is providing a lower percentage of its capacity, it will run cooler and last longer than if it were running at a higher percentage.

 

S4 is rated at 50, S5 at 60 and S6 at 100 IIRC.

it isn't necessary to upgrade unless you have added more electrical loads or accessories to the car, if the car has no add ons and has a hard time charging then the alternator is most likely weak and on it's way to the grave.

keep in mind that a stock alternator cannot keep up with every load in the car on at the same time, the rear defroster sucks up a ton of juice as well as the blower motor so night drives on a cold day with all of the above on may just be too much for the stock alt to handle, if you drive like this alot and experience battery discharging then you may want to upgrade alternators, otherwise it is not necessary.

 

I see. Thanks guys.

 

Is there a upgraded version of the fd alternator?? YOu know, if the fd guys wanna upgrade....