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RE: Power Upgrades- Alternators and Fans

To: TR List <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: Power Upgrades- Alternators and Fans
From: Dave Massey <105671.471@compuserve.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 18:02:29 -0500
Tony Rhodes writes:


>Another issue this raises.  Once I was in the market for the accura
integra.
>At that time, in an effort to wring the maximum HP, they put a clutch
>on the alternator (like the AC) and with the throttle wide open, the
engine
>stopped spinning the alternator and AC compressor!  It seems to me that if
the
>alternator load is so minimal, it is not worth the complexity and expense
>of adding the clutch.
>
>What do you think?
>
> -Tony

Jog my memory a bit.  Didn't Ford put a gear reduction and clutch on
the crank pulley on the Mustang with the intent to run all of the
belts and accessories at engine speed at idle and at a reduced speed
when the engine was turning faster?  This sounds like the way to go.
Only put a clutch to drop out the accessories at WOT (wide open
throttle).

Of course on an LBC these are not al that significant.  But on a car
with a BIG alternator, power steering pump and AC, this can help
enough to get you to the next stop light 0.5 seconds before the
next guy!

Dave

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