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Old 03-20-2009, 12:20 PM   #5 (permalink)
shovel
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When an alternator is not being asked for power, the only difference between a bigger one and a smaller one is the rotational weight of the rotor and basic rolling resistance of the bearings.

A larger alternator will have larger gauge windings, which will have inherently lower internal resistance at a given output, which will mean slightly more energy efficiency on that side of things - probably enough to balance out the "loss" imposed by its heavier rotating mass.

So... no meaningful reason NOT to do the upgrade, apart from expense if that's a deterrent for you.
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