QUOTE(r_towle @ Jul 1 2008, 07:50 AM)
Has anyone looked into using a peletier device/ thermoelectric device?
I was under the impression that they produce heat/cold with low amperage requirements. This electric requirement is lower than a hair dryer type electric heater.
What is the largest alternator that we can get for a 914?
Can a stock alternator be rewound (enough room) to make a large output
Forget thermoelectric devices, I work with them every day, and I would not consider therm for use in a vehicle for either cooling or heating. First, they suck power BIG time. Second, in heat mode they are not really any more efficient than straight resistance heat but cost ten times more. Third, in cooling mode I doubt you could find the necessary room to mount a capable device, afford it, or power it.
Stock alternator is 50 amps, the biggest I have had made up is 90 amps and that is the limit of the stock housing. Try and price out a 200 amp alternator. It also will suck extra HP from the engine.
That is why the stock system works so well. Not to knock the oil cooler design , but also consider that it may slow the engine warmup time, and the engine may never get up to temperature in some situations.