Re: [T3] DBB alternator :Reply to jim..long

["Type 3 Junkie" <quick_fasty@hotmail.com>]

<x-flowed>Jim-

I am surpised by your sour attidude towards the alternator kit!
To say" there is absolutely no advantage to them for the vast
majority of owners" is really a misleading blanket statement.



Many people like the fact that this is a modern update to the aging 
chargeing system.
1 bonus is that it does away with the Voltage regulator [VR] thus takeing 
out another item to either replace or fiddle with when the stock charging 
system is not working.

We have seen many new generator fail within months of purchase, as the new 
batch of generators may have some quality issues.

I have never had a VR last 7 years...period.

Lets addess:

1) I compete in rolling boom box competitions and my battery goes dead in 
the
middle. My generator can't keep up when my car is just idling.

While such events are certainly not my idea of a good time, they would be 
just
about the only reason that an alternator would have an advantage over a
generator. This is simply due to the fact that, at idle, an alternator will
generate some current (certainly not its full rating) while a generator will
put out little or nothing.

Just as you stated this is not your likeing, but truefully as our ever 
expanding hobby includes more and more young people this is bound to happen 
more often than not. We have rescued many cars from young people who where 
frustrated by the car in more way than one. This will be a benifit to them 
and maybe encourge them to keep the t3 they own a bit longer.
"at idle, an alternator will
generate some current (certainly not its full rating) while a generator will
put out little or nothing." yes and most of us spend out time sitting in 
traffic [ there might not be much in madison] but if your stuck in the rain 
at idle in PDX with lights and H-4's...belive me you will see the generator 
light flicker like crazay

"3) I like the idea of a system that puts out 70 Amps. It just makes me feel
more secure knowing that I have all that power flowing out of my new 
charging
system.

A 70 Amp alternator puts out 70 Amps ONLY when that much is needed."

To each their own ,right? If it make some one feel better about useing thier 
t3 as a Daily driver more power to them, and the simple fact is IF you need 
extra power...YOU have it....I would rather have it than not.


"Keith Park probably had more electrical gagetry on his squareback than most 
of
us can imagine, and he uses them constantly." --
I would say not everyone whos has a t3 is a freek like keith is [not in a 
bad way keith I swear : ) ]
Most people do not go to the extreme he has...nor do they want to.

"4) I like to play the radio really, really loud. "--again so be it...I am 
in my 30 something bracket and on occasion I to will crank it up



"5) I like the cool factor of being able to say that I've got this really 
modern
upgrade.

Well, I guess that's a matter of taste, but if you really want to spend 
money
on bragging rights, why not get something that brings an actual advantage 
with
it. For the same money you could get a counterweighted crank, or a full flow
oil filter system AND case savers, or a good 4 angle valve job. Each of 
these
comes with proven benefits.


So? I have all of those items ...and we recommed them on all motors we 
build..except we do 6 angle valve jobs...but how many "Home Joe's" Want to 
or can afford to tear down a motor to do these mods? Or even are comfortable 
doing these things theselves...?
And by the way how can a new crank be less expensive? or full flow? Those 
require complete tear downs which I can guanatee will be way more than the 
kit .

Since we are on the issue of cost lets look at this:
new generator....100.00
new VR...............35.00
total ................135.00

Item that need to be replaced 2
Items that need up keep   1

Basic alternator kit....

195.00
Item that needs to be replaced  1
Item that need up keep  0

I look at this as a good situation for the Daily driver.

"if all you're into is appearances,"...OF COURSE we are....WHO ISNT?
whay then do we fix up old clunkers to show cars?
Why pull a T34 from a feild ?...in one way or another we want our car/part 
to look the best.


We went to great lenths to make this kit a simple bolt in item that will not 
harm the car/motor or design but to complment it, this wasnt a simple thing 
to put together we have had many prototypes and failures in this.
We are not making a large profit on these.....the core alternators are 
expensive by them selfs.
coupled with the cost of the labor and materials....

We did this because people asked for it.
We make items people want / ask for.

As this hobby grows we need to not push our ideas and thoughts on people, we 
need to realize that there are stock people / not stock....and a whole bunch 
in between that will do to a car as they see fit to make it fit them.




Ok....I will get off the soap box...

Martin  Magnia
Owner DDB,   LLC

See us first for your type 3 needs!
WWW.TheDDB.com


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