$1000?? Installation of two alternators

[Joe89 10+ year member]

Shop wants ~1,000 to install two new alternators. The existing system is 2 skinny belts on a 1989 volvo 240. They will have to make a pulley system to run the 2 serpentine belt driven alternators as well as removing the A/C. Does this seem like a fair price? The shop definitely does high quality work...

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[wickedwitt 10+ year member]

Depending on the output level of the alternators, and if they warranty the work, I would say that's a very fair price.

 

[KTMrida4life 10+ year member]

Can you not do it yourself?

I hate paying anyone to do something I can do... but Im a bit more mechnically inclined than others.

 

[Joe89 10+ year member]

The alternators are a 220a unit (for 5.0 Explorer/Mountaineer) and a 330a externally regulated Mechman alternator.

I don't have any welding tools, never welded before. I'm doing the entire project otherwise, fiberglassing the doors, etc.

I'll post a build log soon. Specs as follows

4 8" Eminence Beta's (2 per front door)

4 Selenium ST-350 supertweeters (2 per front door)

Kicker 850.4 bridged for the 8"s

Memphis 3004 for Tweets

Memphis 4kw to get 18v

2 Powermaster 16v Batteries

1 Optima yellowtop

Subs undecided but likely using 2005 RE XXX's

4th order or 6th order Bandpass enclosure

Lots o dynamat

 

[pro-rabbit 5,000+ posts]

If you know the shop to do great work and trust them then the amount you pay is really just a foot note.

Do you think $1000 is a fair price for everything? If so, then I suggest doing it if you trust them and their ability.

 

[wickedwitt 10+ year member]

Although you can never have overkill, I think 550A of generation may be a bit much for 5000w. I'm only going to have 600A for about 12k

 

[jdawg 5,000+ posts]

yes, actually if you are buying the alternators from them then its REALLY cheap. If not then thats still not bad considering they have to fab it from scratch, if they have 20 hours in it then thats $50 and hour, thats cheap labor, most dealerships are around $100 an hour and high end repair shops $75 an hour

 

[Joe89 10+ year member]

The memphis 4kw is a current hog, but it puts out a lot of power, especially at 18v, and below 1ohm. Plus, I don't want to have a lot of batteries. I am going to see how things are with voltage with only 1 powermaster 18v to start. And, I already own these two alts, so why not. I don't want to have to modify my charging system down the line if I decide to add an additional sub amp.

 

[IonRL205 10+ year member]

The memphis 4kw is a current hog, but it puts out a lot of power, especially at 18v, and below 1ohm. Plus, I don't want to have a lot of batteries. I am going to see how things are with voltage with only 1 powermaster 18v to start. And, I already own these two alts, so why not. I don't want to have to modify my charging system down the line if I decide to add an additional sub amp.

You're going to need more than 1 battery for 4k watts, I can tell you that right now.

 

[groundpound4200 5,000+ posts]

You're removing your A/C in California? I hope that's not your daily driver

 

[Joe89 10+ year member]

The 330a will be drawn from solely by the memphis 4kw. Given this, do you still think 1 powermaster 16v will be insufficient? I have room for 4 batts but don't want to add more weight (or spend more money) than necessary.

 

[MECHMAN 10+ year member]

Funny thing, I not only sell HO alternators, I am a certifiable Volvo nut. Got an 80 244 that I track and autocross, and a V-8 conversion 760 that I drive daily.

If you are getting rid of the AC installing 2 units on your car is only a junkyard trip away from done.

You can run the factory 240 bracket on for the passenger side mount and the 740 bracket for the driver side and it's that simple. I build units for both the driver and passenger side mount, and have done quite a few in the past.

Keep in mind that you can't run much over 220a with these units as that's all the single v-belt can handle, but 2 of the 200a units would get you 400a of charging power.

Email me if you want more info. I also know people in the SF area (lived in Monterey for 5 years, just moved out to TN last year) that may be able to work you a better deal or provide you with the parts.

 

[Sleeklsc 5,000+ posts]

Mechman just saved you $1000. How does that make you feel?

 

[MECHMAN 10+ year member]

Didn't quite save him 1k, but it's going to be way cheaper than the alternative.

 

[Joe89 10+ year member]

What e-mail? eric[USER=595065]@MECHMAN[/USER].com ?

My private messaging isn't working.