How many amps should I get when upgrading my alternator?

[KRN 10+ year member]

I'm upgrading my battery and alternator and I'm not sure about what size high output alternator I should get and what are some good ones to get? Where do you buy these things? I am currently using two amps with a combined total of 1400 watts from my 2 amps. I may add more in the future so I just wanted to get the most out of a battery so I chose the Kinetik HC2400 which has 2600 cranking amps and 128 Amp hours...what do you guys think?

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[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

Buy the biggest alternator you can buy for your application.

XS Power

Mechman

Excessive Amperage

Ohio Generator

Singer Alts

Those are all the reputable brands.

 

[DoesDad 10+ year member]

1400 watts? Do the big 3 and maybe an extra battery and good wire and you should be fine....

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

Well if he plans to upgrade amps or add in the future I can almost bet he is near the limits now of his stock electrical system.

 

[DoesDad 10+ year member]

Well if he plans to upgrade amps or add in the future I can almost bet he is near the limits now of his stock electrical system.

True. And as we all know an upgrade is always right around the corner. Can one ever have too much bass?

 

[KRN 10+ year member]

NEVER too much bass. I just did the big 3 this past weekend and all the lights inside and out are still dimming big time. I'm driving a 2006 chevy silverado.. I read somewhere that the stock alternator was junk so i figured i'd just upgrade both the battery and alternator together now and just solve every bit of problems due to lack of power.

 

[cyn 10+ year member]

yeah I plan on upgrading my alternator soon... I see in the near future I will have more than 4k watts

but for that truck you can check here AD-244 High Amp Alternator,Nations Auto Electric,USA 1-888-334-2632

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

o6 chev....prolly has a 5.3 or 5.7 in it....one of the cheapest high output alts avail......

Get a 300 amper and call it a day.

 

[DoesDad 10+ year member]

It's weird how some people get dimming lights and electrical dips and some don't. I ran 1200 rms in my '99 Monte Carlo with stock everything and used 4 gauge and nothing. Took it like a champ. Your truck has to have a more powerful alt than the Monte....

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

It's weird how some people get dimming lights and electrical dips and some don't. I ran 1200 rms in my '99 Monte Carlo with stock everything and used 4 gauge and nothing. Took it like a champ. Your truck has to have a more powerful alt than the Monte....

Some alts put out more than others, and some vehicles use more than others. Even with the exact same electrical in 2 different vehicles will net different results. AKA a truck uses more amperage than a car.

 

[DoesDad 10+ year member]

Gotcha... Thanks!

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Buy the biggest alternator you can buy for your application.
XS Power

Mechman

Excessive Amperage

Ohio Generator

Singer Alts

Those are all the reputable brands.

Get the biggest alt you can afford..IMO .I agree with above being said.Most vehicles are at the bare minimum on the stock alternators,just to meet the standards/regulations.