145 vs. 160 Amp Alternator - Do 15 Amps Matter?

[Ridge Runner]

I bought a complete take-out 5.3 engine from a salvage yard to swap into my FJ60. They were supposed to send a 160 amp alternator out of a Tahoe, but instead left the one that came on the truck, a 145 A unit. If it were a 105 A unit, I'd be asking them to send me the one I asked for, but since there are only 15 A difference, is it a very big deal? I plan on running a winch, lights, ARB air compressor, and refrigerator eventually. Really nice guys to deal with who gave me a great deal on all of the parts I asked for, so unless I really need those 15 extra amps, I'm inclined to let it go.

 

[1911]

I doubt you'll notice the difference. 145 amps is still about twice what your stock 60 alternator was.

 

[dogcar3]

If you can get them to ship the one they said (and pay for return shipping), I would say go for it. 15 amps at peak might not be much, but any idea what the output difference between the two at idle speeds are? Even if it is only a couple amps, it would be worth it. I put a high idle kit on my rig for when I am winching, might be something to look into as well.

 

[JHa6av8r]

I have two alternators in my truck. Excess capacity is a good thing most off the time. If it's what you were expecting, you should have them send it.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I doubt you'll notice the difference. 145 amps is still about twice what your stock 60 alternator was.

Yeah, no kidding! I think stock output was 55 amps?

Unfortunately, I can't find what the idle output is on either alternator, but I got the rest of my parts from them in today and the alternator was the only issue I had after getting a complete take-out engine and some other stuff. I'm not going to bother them over 15 amps.

Thanks, guys!

 

[lqdchkn]

15 amps ~ 180 more watts for accessories/charging. Depends on your load I guess.

 

[colodak]

the excess capacity would be nice, but if you convert some of your lights to LED, the draw might negate itself

 

[PirateMcGee]

I would ask to have it swapped. It takes but a phone call and a not very much of either of your time.

 

[Mundo4x4Casa]

The high amp alternator will give you more replacement juice if you are running any high amp load appliances. The 160 amp is known to be used on emergency vehicles that are at a standstill and still running lots of 12v power thru said appliances. (lights/winch/generator/compressor) I have a 160 amp alternator that is part of the on-board welding rig for my CJ8. The rig will also quick-charge batteries in the boonies. Actually now, the newer and not-so-great batteries do not like a quick charge.
My old Warn 8274 winch will draw a LOT of amps (up to 300 amps at stall), but has a very fast line speed so you use it less seconds per pull. My Warn 15,000 also has a big draw and a slow line speed, which means you run it longer. So if you are planning on a winch it would be good to go for the extra 15 amps. As was said, you can never have enough amps.
If you are worried about having enough amps to run stuff when you are stalled or stopped, investigate a second battery. Of course, then you add a lot of used-less-often weight to the rig. Even with winches on about 10, 4WD's in the past, some diesel, I've never needed more battery power than came with each rig.
regards, as always, jefe