arcangel

I posted this topic during the summer but no real responses that addressed the question.


Has anyone tried their luck with upgrading their alternator in their vehicle to make up for the additional electronic toys that have been installed? (ie amps, head units, vid games, dvd etc)

Looking into upgrading mine as well as adding an Optima Yellow Top battery, but want to see what others have done with their own vehicles before I decide on a course of action.

scarlemthug

First I would make sure all your engine bay grounds are up to par. Redo the big 3 in the same gauge wire that your power wire is and maybe add a few extra grounds to your engine block and anywhere else you can find to ground. Then if you find your having dimming issues etc look into getting a H.O. alt for your car, I would recommend Dominick Iraggi as his are very affordable and reliable. If you plan on playing your system for long periods of time with the engine off then add an optima yellow top to the equation and you will be set.

wiltshire559

iTrader: (1)

Have you personaly tested this? That seems like bogus advice.

Hardwrkr

iTrader: (5)

The Optima battery is a deep cycle unit that will not degrade in performance like a conventional battery when run down during long listening periods with the engine off.

arcangel

Yeah, I will get the guys at the shop to take a look at which ground wires to upgrade, since there is no dimming happenning yet.

Hardwrkr

iTrader: (5)

I believe Scarlumthug posted this link a while back. It's good info regarding the Big 3 upgrade if you want to save money and do it yourself.http://forum.sounddomain.com/forum/u...c;f=5;t=006234

Even if you are not running big power it will make your electrical system more efficient and and may help it last longer.

Loud Brown Kicker Colt

iTrader: (1)

i built my own alternator(GM cs144 140amp)plus use a pc1700 battery, i really need to wail on the music to get headlight dimming.my grounds have been upgraded to 1/0, and alt output are #4 for + and -, and my voltage regulator is adjustable [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img] i can make a GM alt fit in anything and customise it for external regulation and rectification

ChevySQ

Great to hear that you can built alternators, How much for a 125- 130 for my 2001 Silverado???

wiltshire559

iTrader: (1)

Ball park figure of $150. Thats what it cost me to move up to a larger alternator of the same amperage.

Chadxton

iTrader: (1)

"The big 3". For some reason I hate that term. lol
I think it should be called something else. Something about calling it the big three insults me. Bah, maybe it's just me.

What would you quote me for a 150-180 alt for my Dodge Lancer? [img]tongue.gif[/img] Originally has 90 amp Chrysler.

[ December 10, 2003, 09:21 AM: Message edited by: Chadxton ]