Alternator Difficulty
 

I have a 2005 Honda Civic 4 door sedan. My system will have a power draw of about 180 amps. So the factory alternator's got to be upgraded but it's in such a tight space in there. Any aftermarket model just won't fit. Cooper brothers say that winding my current alternator may give only a 30 or 40 amp jump. What can I do, or who can I go to?

So you have a 2500 watt system, how often you hit it hard is the question, you probably dont spent that much time doing it as it will slowly turn your brain to mush if you do. If what you are saying is true (and I believe you can get a 200 a alt in your system BTW as my 200 amp alt is factory sized) you simply have to charge between SPL bursts just like everyone else who does not upgrade their alt. typically people only use 50 to 500 watts of power for driving around so the system draw is less than 50 amps

Turn my brain to mush? Is there any evidence to that fact? :^p

Factory sized amp that puts out 200 amp? Is it possible? They use thicker wire do they not? Hence bigger size not fitting my my car. Where did you get yours? Maybe I can order from there...

I know for my focus which uses a ford 6G small case alternator, I can get up to 200A.

I'd find out what kind of alternator your car has and then find someone who sells aftermarket HO units of that type.

I had called alterstart in the city here, and the guy told me the same thing coopers told you, then said he wanted my vehicle for 2 weeks and money upfront then started lecturing me about how I don't need 110A @ idle, that my stereo is too loud, etc.

Also with the aftermarket units, they do more windings possibly with thicker wire and better quality parts in a magical combination that gives you all that extra power.

That's solid advice. I'll check it out. Thanks

I WOULD NOT recommend my alt manufacturer... the alt is good now but it took sending it back 3 times. Count the $$ 1- buy alternator, 2-remove old alternator $, 3- install new alternator $, 4- new alt doesn't make voltage (computer doesn't interface with alternator) so...Remove new alt and reinstall old alt $, 5- ship new alt to manufacturer (REPEAT 2 TIMES) till the NEW alt works. This lesson cost me $$$$ and several others have had this dance with him. If I were to type his name someone could remember the name (and forget the part about him sucking) and buy from him off eBay or something


I also have a focus (SVT) but man is that alt hidden... and I am limited to 13 volt output

the affects of long term high intensity SPL is documented, the affects will multiply as you age with thicker heart walls, abdominal tissues etc. As far as the brain goes it is like getting shaken... the damage builds over time. It is the world of statistical probability so... it could do something or not

There are also folks who rewind alternators (go to junkyard buy an alt from a wreck verify it works and send it in)

Yeah my focus refuses to put out more than 13.94v at idle. The alternator lives on the bottom of the engine. Took us a few minutes to find it when we were doing the big 3 on my car. I have the same worries about ordering an ho alt from the states. As shipping is like $70 USD. It's really unfortunate we have no good Canadian companies for this.