Alternator Amperage

[kars85]

What amperage is the alternator for the "towing package" models? Is it a 130amp?

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

I'm almost positive it is 130 amp.

 

[kars85]

Thanks for the reply. I ended up replacing my Motorcraft battery with an Optima Red Top today. It's been in for almost 5 1/2 years, which seems abnormal for a Motorcraft battery.

The one I ended up getting had 800CCA (the most available for my X). It's interesting to see that some battery manufacturers advertise <1000CCA, yet an Optima only makes them up to this.

Any insight as to why?

The nice thing about the Optima is they come with a mounting kit to fit nicely in your stock battery tray.

 

[aldive]

I'm almost positive it is 130 amp.

I too believe this is correct.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

Some battery manufacturers tout their "cranking amps" but not the "cold cranking amps". The CA is measured at 32°F instead of 0°F like CCA is. To the uneducated masses who just simply buy the battery with the biggest number on it, this can help sell mediocre quality batteries.

Interstate (who now owns Optima) usually advertises both the CA and CCA ratings on their batteries.

Batteries have two fundamental qualities...Cold Cranking Amps, and Reserve Capacity. Whenever the CCA is increased, the RC is usually decreased, because the plates are thinner. Finding the best balance of CCA and RC is going to buy you the best battery.