My only concern with the caravan alternator would be getting the belts to line up. I would pull yours out and take it to autozone and do a side by side comparison.

 

Thanks for the measurements..

I still think I'm gonna try the smaller pulley after I get the HHR fan installed.

BTW, had a question or two on that fan setup.. I'll probably be workin on it tomorrow...

 

No problem man. Please let us know how your install and alternator mods go.

 

whats a smaller pulley do

 

Makes more revolutions. As your engine RPM pick up so does the output of the alternator. So if you put a smaller pulley on the alternator the theory is that would be like driving at higher rpms = more output.

 

so it would create more amprage......????? wouldnt that burn it out quicker ??

 

No, an alternator can only make as much current as it's designed for an the components can handle.

The only drawback to a smaller pulley is that you may overspin the alternator at higher engine RPM. This can cause a couple situations, you can experience physical damage or failure, especially if you overspin it often, or you can experience a drop off in output at higher RPM, due to the magnetic field being created actually getting larger than the windings in the alternator itself. This would be pretty rare though, and is usually only experienced on "built" alternators in small housings.

 

ooooohhhh k i think i understand lol
blown PM sent

 

A smaller pulley would increase the alternator output but ONLY at lower rpm's usually under 2k.

The main failure issue would be the bearings at higher RPM's such at WOT runs.

Being that average crusing RPM is between 2200 and 3200 the alternator should be fine for normal day to day use with no ill effects.

I actaully posted a chart in the HHR fan post about alternator pulley sizes and differences... its basically just doin the math and deciding what you want to accomplish.