Alternator question

[MatthewR6 10+ year member]

At what point does one need to ugrade the alt? I will have about 1800 watts in my car. It comes with either a 135-140 amp alt from the factory. I will be doing the big 3 upgrade.

I guess its a pretty broad question with many variables now that I read this //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/banghead.gif.8606515f668c74f6de0281deb475b6fd.gif

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks

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[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

you're right...it is a variable question //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

but generally, with 1.8kW you're going to be using either 2awg or 1/0 wire, pulling around 200-250 amps...well within the reach of a 100-140amp alternator, with upgrades done to the magic three and careful attention paid to grounding.

I'm running 1.7kW in my setup, off of a 135A stock alt, and I don't have any problems.

 

[ss3079 5,000+ posts]

If your lights dim, and you start noticing some weird things electrical system wise ... you'll need an upgrade.

That's a decent size stock alt and you may not need to upgrade immediately ... since there's no point if you don't experience problems. The 'Big Three' should help somewhat. However, I'd still recommend a high output alternator be installed eventually 180+ amps or the largest you can afford/fit in your vehicle.

- Steve

 

[MatthewR6 10+ year member]

Thanks guys. It would be nice to just keep the oem in there, but Im not counting on it.

1/0 wire should be here soon, I will run that and do the big 3 and see what happens.

 

[Radar 10+ year member]

you're right...it is a variable question //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif
but generally, with 1.8kW you're going to be using either 2awg or 1/0 wire, pulling around 200-250 amps...well within the reach of a 100-140amp alternator, with upgrades done to the magic three and careful attention paid to grounding.

I'm running 1.7kW in my setup, off of a 135A stock alt, and I don't have any problems.

Though It could be the opposite like me. Only 1200w with stock 135a and good dimmage. Hook er up and find out //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif