'99 Alternator upgrade, anybody used DB?

[Miljack]

Hey all,
helping a friend (who bought my old boat) fit an upgraded alternator, they are looking to add an amp and tower speakers, the boat is setup with a heater, PP, and a dual battery setup.
I was wondering if anybody has used a DB; NEW Delco Marine Alternator Mercruiser 3-Wire 110 AMP 10SI HO- ADR0106. This is an updated 3 wire setup, although it is slightly different. I know the quality is not as good as OEM, and that I'll have to build a new cable for the output to the starter motor.

One specific question I have is on the grounding of the updated alternator, can this be achieved by just attaching the ground wire to the alternator case? Also PCM used a strap to attach the 12v "Sense" wire to the output, is this a good practice? The alternator will always "see" output voltage...

Just checking to see what other obstacles are there in this type of conversion.

thanks,

[bchesley]

Miljack,

You can order the factory gt-40 alternator upgrade from Nautique Parts as it will work perfectly. I went through my dealer to figure out what kit to use and the GT-40 has an identical wiring harness. I am using it on my Python and it works great.

Brad

[wake_fun]

Check my photo album for the GT40 upgrade, if that's what he's got.

[s_kelley2000]

Thanks Brad that is great to know! I plan to upgrade my alternator and add a second battery this winter.

On a slightly unrelated note, thanks for unknowingly convincing me to go with a python boat! I was unsure about the big block and thought I wanted the GT40 but after doing some searches on here and reading some of your posts I was convinced to go for the 502 and I couldn't be happier with it. Sorry for the hijack

Miljack,

You can order the factory gt-40 alternator upgrade from Nautique Parts as it will work perfectly. I went through my dealer to figure out what kit to use and the GT-40 has an identical wiring harness. I am using it on my Python and it works great.

Brad

[bchesley]

Shawn,

Great to hear!!! Python powered boats are just too much fun.

[mrbobolina]

I have a DB elecctric Alternator. The alternator works great. You will need to get a new belt, as the size of the alternator will not work with your previous belt. Also be sure to let the guys at DB know how many wires you have on your stock alt. A mando will wire differently than the other ones that we may have stock. You will also want to upgrade the wire from the alternator to the starter/master solenoid.

[TallTex]

If you up the amps you need to up the size (lower gauge) of +/- battery wires. Bigger is better to minimize resistance and allow high-amp alternators to work properly. I also like to run a heavy gauge ground wire directly from back of alternator body to negative battery terminal. best place to buy re-build parts (heavy duty) and get expert information from the alternator guy, especially ID what you have or need: www.AlternatorParts.com