H/O alts, how much power do I need?

[adjetta 10+ year member]

I'm looking to purchase an h/o alt, I will be using it to run

Around 3200 watts rms at 2 ohms for the time being, give or take another 500rms

For my four channel. My current preference is dc power .

I am trying to determine wether I should get the 320 amp or cop out and go for the 250.

How many amps of current do I need? I couldn't ever see myself going much over 5k rms @ 1

I'm lost at the moment I just know an alt is the best investment I can make, I'm just not sure which to go with 250 / 180 at idle, 270 / 200 at idle, or 320 with 240 at idle, I'm not sure if I would even need more thAn the 250 amp model, could someone help me understand my choices

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[Jerhemy 10+ year member]

Depending on the price differences It would probably be best to just get the 320amp right off the bat, don't have to go back and upgrade later, or have that "I shoulda..." thought in the back of your head.

Go big or go home, holmes.

What size alt do you have now?

 

[jockhater2 10+ year member]

I'm looking to purchase an h/o alt, I will be using it to runAround 3200 watts rms at 2 ohms for the time being, give or take another 500rms

For my four channel. My current preference is dc power .

I am trying to determine wether I should get the 320 amp or cop out and go for the 250.

How many amps of current do I need? I couldn't ever see myself going much over 5k rms @ 1

I'm lost at the moment I just know an alt is the best investment I can make, I'm just not sure which to go with 250 / 180 at idle, 270 / 200 at idle, or 320 with 240 at idle, I'm not sure if I would even need more thAn the 250 amp model, could someone help me understand my choices

320 rom iraggi

 

[Austin175 10+ year member]

Is there something wrong with your iraggi? Is this gonna be for a dual alt setup? Honestly I would just go for the biggest one you can get as stated you don't wanna have to upgrade later.

 

[rockin15srandy 10+ year member]

It is pretty simple math and you can figure it out on your own Watts=Volts x Amps. So in that equation you know two you just have to figure out the other. Volts range from 12.5-14.5 so I usually go a happy medium at 13.5(this is of course without putting in an external volt regulator). This should clear things up when you find the answer remember your amp efficiency if its 90% then you will need more than your calculation for arguments sake 10% more. Then you can make your own answer.

You also have to take into account that unless you are doing tone tests then the alternator will not have to pull all of the juice all the time(thats what batteries are for, to handle the spikes), I would just stick the biggest one that will fit in there and call it a day no worrying about a new system not having enough power.

 

[NASTY08IMPALA 5,000+ posts]

get the biggest one they make for ur car just incase..and get a external regulator and charge at 15.3..and dont look back

 

[Wanacustomx 10+ year member]

get the biggest one they make for ur car just incase..and get a external regulator and charge at 15.3..and dont look back

Why charge so high? Some batteries aren't warranted after 14.4 due to swelling

 

[NASTY08IMPALA 5,000+ posts]

Why charge so high? Some batteries aren't warranted after 14.4 due to swelling

alot of ppl do it around 15 volts hell my stock alt and dekas was around 14.9-15 sometimes..as long as it doesnt go hectic on ur electronics in ur car go for it

 

---------- Post added at 03:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:07 PM ----------

 

Why charge so high? Some batteries aren't warranted after 14.4 due to swelling

alot of ppl do it around 15 volts hell my stock alt and dekas was around 14.9-15 sometimes..as long as it doesnt go hectic on ur electronics in ur car go for it

 

[jockhater2 10+ year member]

Is there something wrong with your iraggi? Is this gonna be for a dual alt setup? Honestly I would just go for the biggest one you can get as stated you don't wanna have to upgrade later.

?

No. I have a 380 and am adding a 320 as soon as dom finishes.

 

---------- Post added at 02:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:17 PM ----------

 

Is there something wrong with your iraggi? Is this gonna be for a dual alt setup? Honestly I would just go for the biggest one you can get as stated you don't wanna have to upgrade later.

?

No. I have a 380 and am adding a 320 as soon as dominick finishes.