alternator upgrade

[youdoofus]

so i just bought a delco 160 amp alternator to help my dimming woes(havent received it yet), question is that i see many much higher output alternators with regulators. Do i need one if im only going to 160 amps? I assume that they just control amperage spikes etc etc

this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ALTERNATOR-HONDA-ACCORD-3-0L-98-99-00-01-02-High-amp-Acura-CL-3-0-97-98-99-/171660847458?vxp=mtr

Click to read more...

 

[bigfluke 773]

It's not the amps the alt pushes out that would decide if you need a regulator. It's what you're charging system does and where you want it at.

 

[massivespl]

Ur alt is internally regulated...

 

[youdoofus]

right on, thanks guys!

it looked like the alt in the pic was basically an oem replacement, but this is the first time ive upgraded an alternator

 

[Boominburban 10+ year member]

What massivespl said. And it controls the voltage , not amperage ... I use ford 3g cases with 200+ amp internals with ext VR .... I build my own alts ...

 

[Boominburban 10+ year member]

You should also upgrade your charging system with what they call "the big 3" these days......and don't forget a good body to chassis ground also ....

 

[youdoofus]

You should also upgrade your charging system with what they call "the big 3" these days......and don't forget a good body to chassis ground also ....

very solid suggestion, i picked up some orange and black OFC 4 gauge with ring terminals last week, so im just gonna do it all at the same time. Should help with the dimming lights issue //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[Boominburban 10+ year member]

yea, depending on amperage draw, a 160a alt along with full charging system and ground wiring upgrade should take care of dimming lights ....A good AGM battery is also a plus ...

 

[CSCStang]

very solid suggestion, i picked up some orange and black OFC 4 gauge with ring terminals last week, so im just gonna do it all at the same time. Should help with the dimming lights issue //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Most people use 1/0 for big 3. Can you double up the 4?

 

[youdoofus]

another question about this upgrade, i do plan on a new battery at some point, but will doing this require me to also get a new battery? I ask because the seller stated that its a must

 

[youdoofus]

yea, depending on amperage draw, a 160a alt along with full charging system and ground wiring upgrade should take care of dimming lights ....A good AGM battery is also a plus ...

awesome, thanks man! at this point im only running the SQ2200 at 2 ohms, so the math at 12.4 volts is around 96 amperage of draw at full chat, also i didnt see these 2 posts before my battery question, my apologies

Most people use 1/0 for big 3. Can you double up the 4?

i could double up on it, i think i have enough

 

[Boominburban 10+ year member]

if you have it, I would ....

 

[Boominburban 10+ year member]

just be aware, that if you're out driving around in the cold(with the heat cranked, defrost runnin, and heated seats kicking),at night( with your lights goin strong), when it's raining(you get the point by now), and decide to crank your system, your "stock" charging system still prob won't keep up .....

Just be aware of that fact ...

 

[Boominburban 10+ year member]

A strong electrical system is the basis for a good sounding, reliable, long lasting car audio system. And should always be the starting point of a good system ....

 

[youdoofus]

just be aware, that if you're out driving around in the cold(with the heat cranked, defrost runnin, and heated seats kicking),at night( with your lights goin strong), when it's raining(you get the point by now), and decide to crank your system, your "stock" charging system still prob won't keep up .....
Just be aware of that fact ...

i smell what the rock is cookin LoL Ill do the big three, hopefully with 2 runs of the 4 gauge ofc (if i have enough) get that alternator installed and some solid brass battery terminals, still havent done that yet either