The factory 65 ~ 70 amp alternator found in civilian (most mustangs) is barely adequet ...you add in a good stereo (high amp draw, an electric fan and run the air conditioner...you will be draining off battery power at anything close to idle.

Taxi, police V-8 cars were fitted with 100+ amp alternators for this reason. As you should also know, the computer requires clean, stable power to run correctly. A lot of drivablity problems can be traced back to electrical/computer problems...caused by the cheap factory alternator. There is a horse power penalty to run a bigger alternator, but it isn't that great when compared to a tow charge plus the embarassment.

I really don't see any argument for NOT installing a better alternator. You don't "need" it, but its cheap insurance. IF there is something that says loser...it's a guy that has $3,000 in tires and wheels, $4,000 in his motor...etc. But its sitting on the side of the road or being towed home because he went for the flash" intead of spending just a little on the stuff people don't see. But, that's probably just me...I'm attracted to shiny things too! But I didn't have to catch a ride on the "short bus" home from school.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Beoweolf on 6/15/03 9:05pm ]</font>