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Subject:Higher output alternator?
From:Don Hanson
Date:Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:47:12 -0700

It's my understanding that most VW Van alternators are like 65amps?  I'm
guessing that is what I have... a Bosch rebuild..That is what is on my
inline 4 Golf motor in my 84 van.  I am in the process of swapping in a 2.0
liter Jetta bottom end for a bit more oomph and because there are under the
piston oilers on the Jetta, but not on the 1.8 liter Golf...and because I
got a good Jetta motor for a hundred bucks with quite a bit fewer miles on
it than my current motor.

  So anyway, the "new" motor came with a newish looking rebuilt Bosch 90amp
alternator.  Should I use that one rather than the smaller one?  Any
advantage?  I have two batteries in my van, one for starting and one for the
other stuff..both are 'starting batteries' not deep cycle.  I don't usually
run out of juice when camping.  But I do have some macho lighting that
likely draws a lot...two KC daylighter driving lights, a Unitiy spotlamp and
the Hella E-code headlamps.

  What say you electrical guys?  Go with the bigger output alternator?  I
have power "nothing"
 in my van if that makes a difference..

  Don Hanson