how do dual alts work?

[BassAndBeer]

I just bought an elite 370 alt from mechman today, obviously its not here yet but I was thinking of adding it on along with my stock 140. how would I go about that? I want my stock alt to power my car, and the 370 alt to power car audio only. is this even possible? if so, how? thanks

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[tommymilan311]

Yes it is possible but you'll need a dual alt bracket configuration. After that I'd say your best bet is to charge a secondary battery (the one for audio) with your ho alt and leave the OE setup as is.

 

[BassAndBeer]

Yes it is possible but you'll need a dual alt bracket configuration. After that I'd say your best bet is to charge a secondary battery (the one for audio) with your ho alt and leave the OE setup as is.

so basically your saying I can leave the stock alt setup as is, I don't even have to touch it, just add a dual alt bracket and run the + from the alt to a secondary battery in the back? would it be ok to ground it in the back also? I plan on having a battery bank of 4 batts in the back.

 

[tommymilan311]

so basically your saying I can leave the stock alt setup as is, I don't even have to touch it, just add a dual alt bracket and run the + from the alt to a secondary battery in the back? would it be ok to ground it in the back also? I plan on having a battery bank of 4 batts in the back.

Yup. That's exactly what I'm saying. It sound too easy but its that easy. We run apps like this all the time at work, most of the time 12/24V systems but its the same thing for a 12/12V system.

 

[BassAndBeer]

sounds good, thanks. i guess i should start looking for a dual alt bracket.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

And larger belt??Ive been looking into this also, and wondering how much larger of a belt to serve justice without slipping for my truck..Im looking to run a 6 batt bank for the audio, and keep the 255 in the stock location

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

I honestly havent done any real research on it, but since its being addressed at the moment,maybe I can get some info now rather than later..I was going to check out chassinbass truck build as his truck is only one year difference

 

[SounDrive Pro Seller]

Just run both alternators together. I have a Tahoe and run a 370 elite mechman together with my 130a stock alt.

 

[BassAndBeer]

Just run both alternators together. I have a Tahoe and run a 370 elite mechman together with my 130a stock alt.

but since the 2 alternators are not the same, would it still work good? it seems really simple just running it separately. is there any advantage to running them together?

 

[SounDrive Pro Seller]

but since the 2 alternators are not the same, would it still work good? it seems really simple just running it separately. is there any advantage to running them together?

Well running them together you'd get 370a from the mechman plus whatever from the stock alt too. Running them separately just wastes whatever the stock alt does. They will work fine together.

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

I just bought an elite 370 alt from mechman today, obviously its not here yet but I was thinking of adding it on along with my stock 140. how would I go about that? I want my stock alt to power my car, and the 370 alt to power car audio only. is this even possible? if so, how? thanks

Buy this from me! it's $100 less than it costs new:

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/miscellaneous-car-audio-classifieds/623504-dc-power-dual-alt-bracket.html

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

A lot of people replace their AC compressor and use those brackets to hold a 2nd Alternator

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

A lot of people replace their AC compressor and use those brackets to hold a 2nd Alternator

So I could do that to add a 5th alternator? haha

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

So I could do that to add a 5th alternator? haha

Also a good spot for an air compressor if you decide to bag it ...

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Also a good spot for an air compressor if you decide to bag it ...

I probably won't bag it. I'd like another alternator though!