H.O. Alternator

[monte_carlo97 10+ year member]

I had posted a thread here awhile back about getting one. And now it is time to finally get one and i have contacted two companies. Both make 200 amp models. But one company will only sell me up to 160 because they said anything over that will ruin my car's electrical system. I told hime that i did the big three and all other necessary wiring with 0 awg. and he was liek so that won't matter. He said that the computer, lights, and all the other sh!t that came with the car won't be able to take 200 amps. I don't think that it matters. so could someone clairify this for me. I talked to the other company and they said 200 amp will run fine in my car.

Just for reference it is a 1997 Monte Carlo L3 3.1L

Thanks

Click to read more...

 

[Einzee 10+ year member]

no it does not matter. There is an internal voltage regulator that regulates voltage. For your car it should never exceed 15.5 volts. The amperage is a stated capacity. That alternator is capable of putting out 160 Amps. You wanted 200. It is safe and you should have no probs.

 

[tommyk90 5,000+ posts]

If i remember correctly your electrical system only draws what it NEEDS, not what it can be given.

 

[monte_carlo97 10+ year member]

If i remember correctly your electrical system only draws what it NEEDS, not what it can be given.

i know that is what i was thinking. The guy was like it will fry the computer and lights and stuff like that. I was like i don't think so. He is like it will melt your wires. The only wires i could see it melting is the big three if i didn't upgrade them. But i am so it shouldn't matter. It is the same thing as having a 300 amp house feed and a 2 amp light bulb. You saying that that light bulb is going to go out cause i got a 300 amp house feed. I don't think so. I don't think the guy know what he is talking about which is an abvious sign that i should not spend my money there.