<VV> HiPo Alternators

[Padgett]

So the bottom line seems to be that a 55 or 63 amp alternator will work 
fine on a Corvair and there will be no fan belt issues so long as you never 
try to pull more than about 45 amps. Further the stock "rule of thumb" for 
tightening the fan belt only enough to  be able to turn  the fan with one 
finger will limit the available power to about this level. Tightening the 
fan belt further to reduce slip can give more power but at a cost in fan 
belt and bearing life.

However this is sufficient for a stock Corvair since the stock load is 
generally much less unless everything (heater, headlights, wipers,..) are 
on at the same time or if higher power accessories (stereos, driving 
lights, neon systems) are installed in which case energy management is advised.

I suspect that a spring loaded idler pulley might extend this a bit. 
However it is likely that to get more than 60 amps reliably would require a 
second idler and to mount the alternator like an AIR pump with its own fan 
belt which would also require rotation of the oil filter.

Padgett