Alternator / Regulator Advice on older car.

[kurek]

I'm converting an older Mustang to electric (hydraulic) power steering and electric A/C compressor which means the belt will only be driving the water pump and alternator.

The power steering pump draws ~15-40A on average and up to 90A peak. The electric A/C compressor draws around 60A in operation, though it will be on a timer so even at "full" it will really be on a 50% duty cycle over time.

The engine is a fuel injected V8 so it's got the usual ignition load, fuel pump, injectors, ECU, and the rest of the car has lights, HVAC fan, not much of a stereo but I guess that accounts for something, power windows and locks.

Stock alternator is 130A and obviously not built for electric accessories so it'll need a high output alternator; several on the market claim to deliver 100A at idle.

My question is if there is any particular benefit to using an external voltage regulator, or using a "1 wire" alternator, or any other specific considerations before I start spending money.

To head off any confusion I'm not asking whether or not I should do electric accessories I'm only asking about the charging situation.

Thanks!

 

[HemiLonestar]

If you didn't have the electric AC I'd say the 130a would be plenty; my electric steer 2016 only has a 160a, though my 2012 Charger with hydraulic steer and the same amount of elex has a 220a. I dunno lol.
I assume you're using a standalone and not an OEM PCM?

 

[kurek]

Yeah the ECU is a ms3 based unit running 8 injectors, transmission is manual so there is no transmission controller nor the solenoid loads to consider.

I am sure I could just buy any 200+ amp drop in alternator and be "fine" but if there is an opportunity to be more than just fine for around the same cost and effort I'd hate to miss that opportunity. Example if an externally regulated alternator is more heat tolerant, lasts longer, etc..

People with 2000+ watt car stereos draw a lot of current while showing off but they don't do 10 hours on the highway with the volume cranked up - I might drive 10 hours with a constant load potentially over 100A all things considered. That's "only" about 2 horsepower worth of load but also a huge amount of heat.